This well priced Zinfandel makes an awkward first impression. Apparently, Rosenblum decided that they should employ a similar strategy to the Mr. Yuk campaign and ask the nations kindergarteners to give up recess to finger paint them a label. The small, water-color image shows a plow sitting astride a vineyard with some sort of monastery or Irish orphanage in the distance. Undesirable. Label…..F.

Despite the challenged aesthetics, my eye was drawn to the sticky, white square pasted on the neck of the bottle that said “$12.” I had done well at Suffolk Downs on this particular day and felt that my successful wager on the four-year old thoroughbred “Sneaky Storm” in the 6^th race warranted a celebration. Value…..A

The XXX Cuvee marks Rosenblum’s 30^th anniversary and is a fantastic bargain. Notably fruity, with a blend of 88% Zinfandel and 12% petit syrah, this wine has a complex body and smooth finish. It can easily be enjoyed with most foods or alone. I recently served the XXX Cuvee with braised lamb shanks and it was fantastic. This is a versatile wine that could accompany lamb as easily as it could most of the Wendy’s Super value menu. Thick with rich fruit tastes but smooth and easy to drinks. Very versatile! Taste…….B+

While an excellent value, may I recommend discretion when serving the Rosenblum ZInfandel at a dinner gathering. You don’t want to be associated with the label. Pour the bottle in an impressive decanter and dare your guests to ask what kind of wine it is. Should you not own a decanter, use a clean flower vase and attempt to pass it off as all the rage with the kids these days. If you are truly desperate, use a razor blade and a 50/50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water to remove the label. Claim you brought it home from Napa on your most recent visit and forgot who made it.

MB Tilford is a semi regular contributor to Tavola Rossa. Lacking the trappings of a formal wine education, he has stayed within his comfort zone and has almost exclusively enjoyed super tuscans. However, the weakening dollar, questionable european labor practices and a prolonged graduate education has forced him to seek out the high quality value wines. Join him (semi regularly) in his hunt to separate the gold from the myrrh.