WTSO Deal on 2005 Hugo from Oriel Wines

I recently joined a new service called “Wines Till Sold Out” or WTSO. They offer special discounts on odd lots of wines that they buy directly from the vintner or winery. I’ve seen some great deals on lofty brands like Silver Oak at more than 50% off. Most wines are available at 40% - 65% off the wine shop price, and shipping is usually free if I buy 3-4 bottles.


A few weeks ago, WTSO sent me an email that caught my attention. Friends of this Rampant Oenophile know my love of Zinfandels, so when WTSO offered the 2005 Hugo, a Russian River Valley Zin, from Oriel Wines for just $9.99 a bottle, shipping included for 4 bottle purchases, I jumped.

The Zinfandel grape is America’s grape. Though it came from Croatia and other Eastern European slopes originally, today the Zinfandel grape is grown nearly exclusively in the US, and California vintners use it for some spectacular wines. Zinfandel is always lusty and big, often fruit forward in the parlance of wine writers. I love it for its dark fruit and spices. The spice overtones of the wine make it a perfect pair for steaks and cheeses, as it cuts through the fatty richness of those foods.

The Oriel Hugo, from wine maker Dan Goldfield, offers a big nose full of pepper and clove that anticipates the dark fruit in the wine. You’ll definitely taste cherry and currant on the front. This wine finishes smoothly, especially paired with food. It’s a great grilling wine with very little sugar. The Oak in the Hugo compliments smoked meats. I got some good advice from Vine Talk suggesting that a good pairing is a match of textures in the wine. Smoke on smoke, acidity with acidity; so a Zinfandel aged in oak with layers of rich silky textures should go very well with the Great American Barbeque. The Hugo makes a splash at grill side this summer, for certain.

The 2005 Oriel Hugo is still available on their website for $25 a bottle, or you can watch WTSO for another offer of this excellent Zinfandel. Enjoy.