I only knew this Zinfandel by reputation, but I was blown away by how good it actually is. I know it’s Paso Robles – albeit the finest part of Paso, the Adelaide Hills, but this could pass for something on the order of Ridge or Robert Biale. It’s that good.
Huge essence-of-Zinfandel nose, very rich and ripe (15.3%), but also incredibly well balanced, smooth, suave and even elegant.
The fact is, this is a very fancy wine!
But of course, also a very artisanal one: dry farmed, head pruned and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The winery says:
The 22nd vintage of our estate Zinfandel is a real showstopper! Our traditionally farmed vines have matured, and they are producing more complex and interesting wines as the years go by. Juicy, jammy blackberry unites with a crisp bite of cranberry for a tremendous punch of flavor. Savory cracked peppercorn notes complete and balance the wine, and a texture smooth as glass finishes with silken, mature tannins. This wine can best be described as “Happiness in a glass”!