Just in time for the holidays, Star Trek has released two limited-edition wines. We had the opportunity to review both: the Star Trek United Federation of Planets Special Reserve 2017 Old Vine Zinfandel and the Chateau Picard Cru Bordeaux Blend. This is a review of the Star Trek Old Vine Zinfandel.
Before reviewing the wine itself, we feel compelled to elaborate on the Star Trek Zinfandel’s unique, futuristic bottle. Its sleek glass silhouette resembles wines served to dignitaries at Federation gatherings and planetary assemblies. In fact, the back of the label states that this wine is “blended by our intergalactic sommelier and designed to fit the palates of multiple planets.” With this iconic symbolism, the Star Trek Zinfandel is sure to please Trekkies as not only a wine, but a collector’s item.
As for the wine itself? While we can’t speak for the other planets, we can provide our Earthling perspective:
Star Trek United Federation of Planets — Special Reserve 2017 Old Vine Zinfandel
- Varietals: 87% Zinfandel, 12% Petit Sirah and 1% Syrah
- Origin: Sourced from three vineyards in Dry Creek & Russian River Valleys, Sonoma County, CA
- Color: Medium garnet
- Bouquet: An initial waft of succulent blackberry, black cherry, and raisin is nicely rounded out by earthy undertones of black pepper, nutmeg, and vanilla
- Palate: A quintessential expression of California Zinfandel. Plush dark fruit, balanced by satisfying acidity and structured tannins that expand across the palate for a mouth filling finish
- Serving: With its clear glass bottle, you might not be aging this wine for long. If serving young, decanting will help soften the wine’s tannins.
In short, the Star Trek Old Vine Zinfandel is a versatile wine with enough approachable fruit to enjoy on its own, and also enough structure to have with a meal. To learn more, visit startrekwines.com.