The Federalist Dueling Pistols Zinfandel Syrah 2016 Sonoma County, California, USA 75cl

The Federalist, part of the Terlato portfolio, themes its wines around America’s founding fathers, and Dueling Pistols nods to the famous feud between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. The idea is a face-off between two grapes, and the wine leans into that sense of drama with a big, generous style.

This is an even blend of fifty percent Zinfandel and fifty percent Syrah, a pairing built for power. The label draws its Zinfandel from Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley and its Syrah from further south, and the two combine ripe, brambly fruit with a darker, peppery backbone.

The 2016 gives ripe, sun-filled Californian fruit at the heart of the blend. It is made to be enjoyed now, when the jammy generosity and spice are at their most expressive, though its structure means it holds up well against rich food.

Expect concentrated black fruit and blackberry jam from the Zinfandel, lifted by black pepper, dark spice and a savoury edge from the Syrah. The palate is full-bodied and intense, with substantial structure and a long, warming finish. It is a classic barbecue red, at home with grilled ribs, a good burger, or a wedge of mature cheese.

If you enjoy bold Californian reds or a peppery Rhone-style Syrah, this Zinfandel and Syrah pairing offers plenty of swagger. It is a wine for weekend cooking and sharing, with enough character to be a genuine talking point at the table. Give it half an hour of air and serve it in a large glass to let the jammy fruit and pepper stretch out.