Tasting Notes 3/21/14

NCWC ZINFANDEL TASTING EVENT, 3/14/14

CAMERON HUGHES ZIN YOUR FACE 2011
The first thing you notice are jammy, juicy aromas of black cherry, plum and chocolate. The first taste rolls like plush velvet in your mouth— a soft, undulating, lengthy echo of the aromas, continually carrying fruit from the first sip to the final finish. $9.97

MINASSIAN-YOUNG BLACK SAINT PETER 2011
From Paso Robles, this is 68% Zinfandel, 12% Malbec, 8% Tannat, 8% Syrah, and 4% Grenache. The nose displays ripe plums, with accents of dusty brambles. On entry this is nice and smooth, with modest tannins providing just enough structure to balance the tasty red and black fruit, staying ripe but not getting too jammy or sweet. $19.97

EASTON AMADOR ZINFANDEL 2012
This Zin, from 40-60 year old vines, has full black cherry and blackberry fruit aromas with a beautiful balance and a big, sumptuous, and juicy mouth feel. It also presents complex spicy aromas, with a nice creamy texture derived from the 10 months it spends in French oak barrels. $15.97

Z ZINFANDEL BY JEFF RUNQUIST 2011
Also from Amador, specifically the historic Massoni Ranch, this is loaded with black raspberry, dark cherry and plum aromas. Seventeen months in small barrels has contributed a bouquet of cocoa, hazelnut and dark chocolate. The flavors are soft and luscious, and feature succulent red currants and raspberry. The rich velvety texture, along with mature, well integrated tannins, produces a deeply flavored, yet imminently enjoyable Zinfandel. $19.97

CHRONIC CELLARS DEAD NUTS 2012
This fun Paso Robles wine is mostly Zin, with Tempranillo, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Tannat added to the mix. The Zin of course contributes a ton of fruit plus white pepper, while the Tempranillo adds complimentary spice. Then there’s the meat, smoke and leather of Syrah. Add in Petite Sirah and Tannat with their big tannins, and this will always be a game winner. $21.97

LOUIS MARTINI GNARLY VINE MONTE ROSSO VINEYARD ZINFANDEL 2011
Back to 100% Zin, from Sonoma’s famous Monte Rosso Vineyard. This big, peppery, meaty wine offers up aromas of roast beef, black cherries, mulberries and charcuterie. Full-bodied, spice and heady, this hedonistic 2011 should drink well for 5-6 years. $34.97

ROMBAUER ZINFANDEL 2011
This classic is strikingly fruit-forward, with bursting aromas of ripe cranberries, blackberries and crushed raspberries. Nuances of clove and mint add character and dimension to the ripe fruit flavors. Beautiful acidity intertwined with richness seamlessly creates an expressive and dense mid-palate. Vanilla and plum flavors round out an unforgettable finish. $29.97