Flame Lily California Red 2010

The  Flame Lily California Red Montevina Cab bottle 0022010 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah sourced from vineyards in 40% Monterey (in the Central Coast AVA) and 60% Lodi Delta (at the North end of the Central Valley, east of San Francisco). Flame Lily is a label owned by Sutter Home Wines who are in turn owned by Trinchero Family Estates (they produce Menage a Trois, Joel Gott and Napa Cellars along with many others). In fact the back label says this wine was bottled at both St. Helena (Sutter Home) and Napa (Trinchero Family), though Flame Lily is not shown on either companies website.  Flame Lily can be found at liquor stores and supermarkets for around ten bucks, I picked it up on sale for $8.99. The alcohol content is 13.5%

The color is purple in the center and clear cherry jelly along the edges. The nose is muted, but mainly a mix of blueberry, plum and a little licorice. This is a soft, balanced and not too fruit forward wine. It tastes of rich blackberry, Nestle’s Quick powder and tart cranberry juice. The mid palate transitions to sour cherry and a teeny bit of Altoid’s spice. The tannins really do not come into play, the acidity does show up on the finish and helps it linger for a time.

The Flame Lily California Red 2010 is a solid tuesday night burgers and pizza wine. Well made, good tasting, not too heavy, inexpensive and readily available. It is a good choice when your favorite wine shop is closed and you have to run into the local supermarket to pick up a bottle.

See also  Trader Joe’s Grower’s Reserve Organic Paso Robles Zinfandel 2011
About the Author
Don’t tell anyone, but there is absolutely no correlation between the cost of wine and the quality of wine.

1 comment on “Flame Lily California Red 2010

  1. Stephanie says:

    This wine has a wonderful flavor and softness. I would purchase it anytime I could find it. Where can I buy Flame Lily? I live near Grass Valley , CA. Thank you, Stephanie

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