Summer’s here, and with that comes barbeques, patio parties, and casual evening soirees with friends and family. Looking for a quality bottle to bring to the party? Look no further! Award-winning wine writer Natalie MacLean shares her top picks with us each week!

Wine of the Week for July 4, 2013

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2010

Lodi, California

This week’s wine pick is a toast to our American friends celebrating July 4. Fortunately, this robust red also works with Canadian barbecued favourites such as chicken, ribs, hamburgers and steak. Aromas of jammy purple plums and blueberries on the nose. The palate opens up luxuriously, smooth and full-bodied with more lip-smacking tasty flavours of dark fruit. Fire up the grill!

Score: 90/100

Price: $17.95

Alcohol: 14.5%

Sweetness: Dry

Drink: 2012‐2015 

Natalie MacLean is the Canadian author of Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search for the World’s Best Bargain Wines. Check out more of her wine picks and food pairings at www.nataliemaclean.com.