If you’re into movies, I’m sure you know the name Francis Ford Coppola as a great director. And if you’re into wine, you’ve probably noticed that his name is on some wines too. In fact, he’s behind more wine than you may realize. In addition to the wine that bears his name, he is also behind Rubicon, a somewhat high-end wine brand. I say “somewhat” high end because although Rubicon may be really high end for some readers of this blog, there are some much more pricey wines out there.
Francis Ford Coppola’s involvement in wine began over 30 years ago, when he and wife Eleanor found a weekend property in Napa Valley where they could make some homemade wine. The property they found was the Niebaum Mansion on the Inglenook Estate, and suddenly their desire to make a little wine grew into a mission to restore that property and blossomed into a major wine-making effort.
Coppola now has several lines of wine, many with the Coppola name. One such brand is Director’s Cut. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical before tasting this wine, but after tasting it in a blind Zinfandel lineup I’m a fan.
There’s a bit of a dusty/earthy aroma from this wine, along with dark berries, strawberry and cola. Although it’s slightly spicy, there something really cool and soothing about the aromas. The flavor brings raspberry, blackberry, dark chocolate and a good dose of spices. It’s really lively on the palate. The acidity is killer, making this wine great for fatty foods. I would have liked the tannins to be a touch heavier. But overall, it’s a really good, spicy Zinfandel. Although it’s labeled as Zinfandel, there is 7% Petite Sirah in this wine, which probably adds to the depth in this one.
I found this wine for $13.99, which is an outstanding value for a Zinfandel that’s this tasty. In addition to being a good wine, I should point out that it comes from the Dry Creek Valley and I can’t think of many other wines from this area that I’ve found for under $20.
Wine: Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut
Variety: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol: 14.5%
Rating: 87
Price: $13.99
Find Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut Zinfandel with Snooth