Good advice from wine shop (?)

I am in Florida and went into an independent wine shop. Staff member asked if I wanted help. I said I was in self catering accommodation and looking for a couple of wines to accompany takeaways. Looking for a US wine, preferably a Zinfandel or interesting red blend. Store had a wall of ‘popular’ wines, which he said were wines $20 and below, a longer wall of $20+ wines and a separate chilled room for $100+.

I was impressed that the first wine he suggested was one I had already noticed and that it was on discount. That was
Marrieta Old Vine Red Lot 51 NV ($14.99 reduced from $16.99)
(Zin based blend)

He also recommended
Clayhouse Vineyards Adobe Red 2007 ($12.99 reduced from $14.99)
41% Zin, 32% Petite Sirah, 16% Syrah, + Malbec/Grenache/Mourvedre

And

Orin Swift The Prisoner 2008 ($29.99 reduced from $39.99)
(Zin blend he said, but no variety indication on the label)

I bought all three and last night opened Clayhouse which I enjoyed.
I have no pre-knowledge of these wines or their prices.

So, was the advice good?

Good advice; price may be a little high.

[David M. Bueker]

Decent advice. The Prisoner is a zin blend with pretty much the whole kitchen sink thrown in. According to the winery web site it's 45% or so zin with a good bit of cabernet and then a whole lot of other stuff. The winery charges $35, so $30 is decent pricing. My local shop in Massachusetts is charging $35.

Marietta use to be a great bargain. I was unimpressed with the last one I tried (47) but believe others here (Dale?) have made some positive comments about 51. At $15 its always worth a try.

Cheaper than at winery That's good.

At home we don't get this range of US wines and faced with a wall of unfamiliar names/labels and with limited time I found the assistants advice useful in narrowing down the selection.

I was impressed that he seemed to know the wines and that his recommendations were for wines that met my request and that were less expensive . He didn't push the more expensive labels and thus I decided to go for his selections. Without his suggestions I doubt I'd have bought The Prisoner.

BTW - this is the shop www.bellavinowinemarket.com

Marietta use to be a great bargain. I was unimpressed with the last one I tried (47) but believe others here (Dale?) have made some positive comments about 51. At $15 its always worth a try.

I too used to like the NV Marietta lot numbered, but found some in recent years less of a value. I did think the 51 (blind I believe) was best I've had in while. But maybe not the value it was when the price was $7-9 (back in the lots 20-40 or so). Even though it's a field blend, I think it has identifiable Zin character.
The Prisoner (I've not had 2008) is usually pushing my limits re size and heat, but is generally hugely popular with non-geek crowds.
I'd say the shop did a nice job with selections.

But maybe not the value it was when the price was $7-9 (back in the lots 20-40 or so).

Yeah but at that time I could get Ridge in the $15-$20 range. The 2007 Ridge Zins that I bought were north of $30.

[Jenise]

Peter,

I've had The Prisoner in two past vintages and found it to be an overripe, fruit-forward style--hope your bottle is less so.

Peter,

I've had The Prisoner in two past vintages and found it to be an overripe, fruit-forward style--hope your bottle is less so.

I would also add overpriced, for what it is.

[Jenise]

Peter,

I've had The Prisoner in two past vintages and found it to be an overripe, fruit-forward style--hope your bottle is less so.

I would also add overpriced, for what it is.

Yes. And in fact I am surprised to see the wine shop price was $40, I thought regular retail on that was more at the price Pete paid. But maybe that's east coast pricing.

The Prisoner is a brute of a wine. I would give it a good four hours in a decanter to let it find its equilibrium. Would pair well with a hearty meat dish, or perhaps barbeque ribs.

the important question is what kind of food are you creating for the wine to go with?