Opolo shipments arrive at Drinkhacker HQ at a healthy clip (in part because Opolo produces dozens of expressions), and we do our best to keep up with them. For this round of wines, we’re looking at the heartiest of the winery’s reds — a quartet comprising merlot, cabernet, and — wait for it — zinfandel.
2023 Opolo Merlot Summit Creek – This merlot has a significant density that does not immediately connote merlot, coming across with an almost jammy, raspberry-and-currant quality, infused with notes of chocolate syrup and cocoa nibs. The coffee element lingers into the finish, which can be a little cloying at times in a way that made me triple-check that I was not in fact drinking zinfandel. B / $22
2023 Opolo Cabernet Sauvignon Summit Creek – An unabashedly jammy cabernet, heavy on currants and black raspberry, then leaning hard into chocolate syrup. The finish takes on a rather pruny quality, unctuous and undulating across the back of the palate, with only the slightest hint of lingering tannin clinging to the fruit bomb that unfolds. B / $38
2023 Opolo Zinfandel Summit Creek – Aggressively jammy, this is the kind of wine that people think about when they consider a classic zinfandel experience. Black raspberry, chocolate, and a hint of brewed coffee combine to make a richly sweet experience that evokes a dessert wine experience, complete with that rich, enveloping body that you get with a glass of ruby Port. With a whopping 15.6% abv, none of this should come as any surprise. Plan accordingly. B / $22
2023 Opolo Mountain Zinfandel Paso Robles – I said Summit Creek was aggressive, but this 15.9% zin is an absolute monster. Undulating notes of chocolate, raspberry coulis, and eventually coffee come to bear on body that approaches melted jelly. Very sweet and bursting with candied flavors, forget what I said about Summit Creek evoking Port vibes. This wine is your chocolate-and-Port glaze, layered over flourless chocolate cake. Go easy. B+ / $28
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