by Andrew Chalk
This was one of the Zinfandels served at the ZAP Zinfandel Roadshow tasting in Dallas. The producers sent me a bottle and I thought, as an example of New Zinfandel, it would be useful to provide a detailed review.
IMPRESSIONS
A complex and powerful Zinfandel made either for quaffing or serving with red meat, pasta with red sauces, or mediterranean food of the type exemplified by Darna or Andalous.
The fruit is lusciously ripe and the tannins are like velvet. It leaves a long and harmonious finish in the mouth.
TASTING NOTES
APPEARANCE
CLARITY: clear
INTENSITY: deep;
COLOR: purple
AROMA
CONDITION: clean
INTENSITY: pronounced
AROMA CHARACTERISTICS: blackberry, lead pencil, cedar, thyme, tomato leaf, cinnamon, ripe fruit;
PALATE
SWEETNESS: dry
ACIDITY: medium+
TANNIN: medium. ripe;
ALCOHOL: medium
BODY: full;
FLAVOR INTENSITY: pronounced;
FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS: blackberry, cedar, thyme, cinnamon.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS: Recorded 15.7% ABV does not carry through in the mouth. Tannins have a velvety texture to them.
FINISH: medium+
CONCLUSIONS
QUALITY ASSESSMDENT: Very Good. Multifaceted aroma and flavor characteristics work together to create a complex wine that is ready for consumption and might improve with age.
Bottle Aging: suitable for aging. 5 years. This is Zinfandel, notoriously at its peak when released.
Sample.