Wine Tasting: Zinfandel

Decant,
originally uploaded by amorningstar.

As usual, Zinfandel is always a popular varietal. We reached (but did not exceed) the prior record for number of bottles opened -- 23! This tasting again confirmed my conviction that Zinfandel is the best bang-for-the-buck red wine. It also increased my respect for my two favorites of the current vintages from Quivira and Storybook Mountain. As usual, my favorites in bold.

1. 2005 Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel $17


2. 2004 Quivira Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel $16: outstanding value, I intend to make this my default Zin for the season


3. 2003 Tin Barn "Dalraddy Vineyard" Napa Zinfandel $22


4. 2004 Pezzi King "Old Vines" Zinfandel $18: this was the fruit bomb of the night, elicited the following responses -- "grape jelly," "wine cooler," and "not for adults" -- but I love it! Not for food, but as a drink at a party, this is what I'd want.


5. 2005 Rosenblum "Rockpile Road Vineyard" Zinfandel $34: many Rosenblum zins are too big, too alcoholic, and too sweet for me, but this one is beautifully balanced (despite being 16.4% alc). Pity it's so expensive.


6. 1994 Scherrer Old & Mature Vines Zinfandel: this was in the decanter, great illustration of the impact of age, still lovely.


7. 2005 Scherrer Old & Mature Vines Zinfandel ~$30: another great, reliable Zin (and great bargain in futures), but I think the Storybook edges it out this year at roughly the same price.


8. 2005 Storybook Mountain Vineyard Mayacamas Range Napa Zinfandel $27: this vineyard may be my single favorite Zin producer in California, fantastic balance, structure, a Zin made like a Cab


9. 2003 Coro Mendocino "Eaglepoint Ranch" Blend $34: 58% Zin, but not very Zin-like on the palate.


10. 2003 Orin Swift "The Prisoner" Naa Blend $32: another Zin blend, this one a bit sweeter, more full, nice, but pricey, Wine Spectator gave it a 93.


11. 2003 Lava Cap Eldorado Reserve Zinfandel $20


12. 2005 Ridge "Dusi" Paso Robles Zinfandel $25: disappointing Ridge, a bit too sweet and unguent


13. 2004 Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel (1/2 bottle) $18: lovely, but still very young.


14. 2003 Storybook Mountain Vineyard Estate Reserve Zinfandel $48: consensus favorite of the night, awesome Zin, incredibly refined (and it should be for this price)


15. 2004 Turley Old Vines California Zinfandel ~$40: took a long time to open up, but this offering from a cult-favorite producer really impressed me after a couple hours in the decanter


16. 2005 XYZin Winery "10 Year Old Vines" California Zinfandel $12


17. 2005 Dashe Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel $20: nice, would be a fav at the price but for the Swan and Quivira


18. 2004 Chateau Montelena Napa Zinfandel $25: another reliable Zin producer, making a more refined, structured wine than most.


19. 2003 Bonny Doon Tollini Vineyard Zinfandel $20


20. 2000 Joseph Swan "Frati Ranch" Russian River Zinfandel $20: briary, assertive Zin, probably great with food, a killer bargain at this price (K&L still has some)


21. Bonny Doon "Boutielle Call" Raspberry Port (1/2 bottle) $25


22. 2004 J. Fritz Late Harvest Zinfandel (1/2 bottle) $35: awesome dessert wine Zin, sweet but well-balanced with acid, my favorite wine to accompany chocolate anything, available only direct from the winery or website.


23. 2005 Dashe Dry Creek Late Harvest Zinfandel (1/2 bottle) $25