WHY: As of late Napa Cellars is bringin’ it back, “back to basics,” that is. Typically, when you think “basic” you think “boring“, but the 2007 Zinfandel turned out to be a pleasant treat for us Hipsters. They’re making wines that will keep people comfortable, as they like to put it, and there‘s nothing wrong with being comfortable if you‘re trying to live in L.A. In their most recent vintage release, which includes a Cab Sauv, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel, they have accomplished just that. From the moment we first inhaled, our eyes lit up as we picked up strong notes of dried cherry, dark berry cobbler, cinnamon spice, and brandy on the nose. Once it coated our eager palate, the rich dark fruit, black pepper, and cinnamon flavors fell into subtlety, revealing a more delicate Zin despite the 15.3% alcohol. Cue group exhale. The 12% Petite Sirah acts as an excellent filler and gives it that mid-palate, velvety mouth feel that makes you want to sneakily pour yourself that lil’ extra when no one else is looking so you can get to know it better. Not only did this Zin deliver, it helped soothe the soul after a long work week which makes this wine perfect for cozying up by a fire or ideal for backyard bbq-ing and bocce ball

The Wrap: I think we all agree with the winemaker’s sentiment about bringing it “back to basics.” Being on a budget while still wanting to live the good life, we LOVE being able to enjoy a bottle that sells for $22 but tastes like $50. Someone was kind enough to send us this quartet of goodness to sample, but next time we see this gorgeous bottle sitting on the shelf, we’re most definitely taking it back to Hipster headquarters. As the economy picks back up, and we one day make those 6 figure incomes, not only will we be able to purchase our plot of land in Napa, but we won’t forget wines like this. We applaud you Napa Cellars for speaking our language and helping us happily indulge in guilt-free, old-school “Hipster Nights.