WINE REVIEW: Gehricke 2014 Zinfandel, Ponzo Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, CA ($49)

by Andrew Chalk

A few years ago California Zinfandels were massive fruit bombs in their youth, fruit that faded in only a handful of years age. This wine represents the new expression of Zinfandel where the complexity and age worthiness of other red grapes is part of winemaker’s brief. Congratulations to Gehricke on such a fine effort.

Appearance: Opaque ruby;

Nose: Rich ripe cassis, soft leather, white pepper,

Palate: Raspberry, allspice;

The palate on this wine shows the advances of age with resolution of the fruit with the tannins of the wood to produce a wine that is ready to drink now but able to age more. It projects complexity both in the nose and on the palate with a long mature finish.

Quaff, or pair with red meat dishes or red sauce pasta dishes.

Sample