I’m ripping into the Costco advent calendar early, like a naughty kid at Christmastime. Except my advent calendar is full of wine instead of candy, and there’s no grown-ups here to scold me.
Today I’m pouring up Bottle #7, “Queen’s Gambit.” But is this California Zinfandel fit for a queen, or should it be banished to the royal dungeon? Let’s taste!
The Label
From the producer: “This California Zinfandel presents a rich bouquet of coffee, blackberries, and red berries, complemented by subtle hints of grilled aromas. The palate opens with a smooth, mellow entry, showcasing round, delicate tannins that provide a refined structure. The wine culminates in a warm, lingering finish.”
The Tasting
Pale ruby in the glass, with aromas of earth, struck matches, prunes, and red cherry. Spicy-treacle-y notes of molasses, gingersnap, tree blood (broken twigs), and clove.
On the palate, it’s off-dry with flavors of cherry, plum brandy, clove, raisin, and mulled apple cider. Medium-plus acidity and body with manageable alcohol (13.9%). Medium-minus tannins, which are gentle and chewy, like red apple skins. It’s made in a juicy style–much lighter than expected–with a pleasant finish of powdery vanilla and cinnamon. I’m reminded of German Glühwein, and I briefly wonder how it would taste served hot with an orange slice.
Even though I’ve lately been encountering some really premium California Zinfandels, I haven’t lost my taste for the bulk stuff. It’s a majestic grape which is enjoyable at many price points.
This wine is simple and not a big, boozy, warm-you-from-the-insides Zin. But, despite the lightly extracted style, it’s loaded with flavors of berries and spice. (Fittingly enough, it smells a lot like Christmas!)
Nothing in the 2025 Costco wine calendar qualifies as fine wine, of course. But this bottle is fun and really quite more-ish. It’s one of the better reds so far.
I’m shaving off a few points for the smoky, sulfurous bite that characterizes the initial nose. But it blows off quickly, and is redeemed by a wine with festive fruit flavors, restrained sweetness, and a tantalizing spice-laden finish.
Wine: Queen’s Gambit Zinfandel (California)
Costco Wine Advent-ure Calendar Number: 7
Grade: B
Finish the bottle? Why not?
I’m tasting all 24 wines in the 2025 Costco Wine Advent-ure calendar! See previous reviews here.
Review disclosure: I was not compensated or provided any free products for this review. Opinions expressed on The Wine Fairy blog are entirely my own.
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