Tasting Notes, Friday 2/24

Here are the tasting notes for our wild and crazy Zinfandel Tasting!

NCWC ZINFANDEL TASTING 2/24/12

 POPPY ZINFANDEL 2009

            This fresh, enjoyable Zin hails from the decades old D’Arrigo Family Vineyard in Lodi, which is as well known for its Zinfandel as it is for that Creedence Clearwater Revival song.  Being stuck in Lodi might be all right, though, if you’ve got a bottle of this to keep you company.  It’s fruity and full-bodied, and will age nicely for the next five years.  But there’s really no reason to wait; it’s drinking just fine right now and will pair up nicely with any number of rich, hearty dishes.  $10.97.

 BRASSFIELD ZINFANDEL 2006

                The Brassfield Family holds gorgeous vineyard property up above Clear Lake, at an altitude of 1800 feet.  The cool nights and well-drained volcanic soils produce rich, elegant wines like this one.  It shows off “a sweet, ripe cherry pie nose with well integrated toasty oak notes. Hints of cinnamon and rhubarb are also present with smooth, soft tannins.”  The High Valley Appellation is absolutely beautiful, and this Zin ain’t bad either.  $11.97.

 TOBIN JAMES BALLISTIC 2009

                Toby calls this “Paso in a glass,” and seeing as how he sources grapes from 27 vineyards in the area, that’s a pretty good description.  Zinfandel has pretty much always been his flagship varietal; he loves making it, and he loves drinking it!  Typical of his approach, this is undeniably a “rock ’em sock ’em Zinfandel, big, rambunctious, powerful and full of spice and sass. Maybe the ultimate barbeque Zin, the wine is packed with ripe, juicy fruit and plenty of richness.”  $12.95.

 BIANCHI ZINFANDEL 2009

                The Bianchi family found in winemaker Tom Lane a kindred spirit, someone as dedicated as they to a non-interventionist approach.  They realize that Mother Nature gives them amazing Paso Robles fruit, so they basically stay out of the way and let it produce wines like this!  “Ripe, jammy aromas of raspberry and cherry are followed by spicy notes of fennel and white pepper. Full bodied and robust, its concentrated blackberry and mocha flavors lead to a lingering, silky aftertaste.”  $14.97.

 MINASSIAN-YOUNG ZINFANDEL 2009

                And here we have yet another Paso Robles Zinfandel from 2009.  Taste and see which one you like the best!  This winery is relatively new on the scene, having opened their tasting room doors in 2005, but they’ve developed a big following already.  This wine is a good reason why.  It carries rich, full fruit flavors of cherries and ripe raspberries with hints of sage and black pepper. Soft, fleshy tannins help give this a lush, seductive mouthfeel.  This will be great company with grilled meats and BBQ.  $16.97.

 CHRONIC CELLARS DEAD NUTS 2010

                Also from Paso, this is actually a Zinfandel-based blend, and also contains Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, and Syrah.  The latter two provide nice backbone, while the Zin and Tempranillo complement each other to produce aromas of bright red fruit, pepper, violets and mocha.  On the palate you’ll discover raspberry, strawberry, black cherry, light oak, and sage notes.  The gent tipping his hat to you on the label hopes you’ll enjoy this wine as much as the boys at the winery enjoy making it!  $20.97.

 FRANK FAMILY ZINFANDEL 2009

                From Paso we jump to Napa, and this lovely wine from Frank Family.  It leads off with aromas of “sweet blackberry and plum jam, white and black pepper and clove spice. Further opulence emerges as layers of black cherry, blueberry and Asian spice are exposed. The palate is big, bold and ripe with juicy brambleberry and warm plum pudding, supported by integrated tannin and spice, giving a full mid palate and setting the stage for the long supple finish.”  Cheers, A Votre Sante, Slainte, Salud, and Bottoms Up!!  $29.97.