It’s not as if there’s a bad time to drink Zinfandel, but the Autumn chill in the air make my taste buds crave this grape just a little bit more. I recently participated in a Zoom Tasting of Four wines from Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards. This was just the latest example of several delicious experiences I’ve had throughout this year drinking and chatting about Zinfandel with Winemakers, Owners, Sommeliers, and other Writers. You can read about my other recent Zinfandel tastings here. And for further reading about Zinfandel please read my story Excellent Zinfandel Begins with Legendary Vineyards.
There are three particular characteristics of Zinfandel, which are among the things that I value most in many of my favorite grapes.
1) Zinfandel is particularly suited to influence from the characteristics of the site it’s grown on. Slope, sun exposure, and soil type are some of the factors that make one site unmistakable from another. Add them all together and it begins to explain why Single Vineyard Zinfandels from Legendary Vineyards are so distinct and sought after.
2) On the list of grapes whose bounty pairs with the widest array of food styles, Zinfandel must be counted. Whether you’re eating Pizza, Tacos, Pulled Pork, Pasta with red sauce, Grilled Eggplant or an entrée Salad dotted with blue cheese (to name a handful) a well-made Zinfandel will provide excellent results.
3) Within the field of carefully grown, thoughtfully produced Zinfandel exists a number of styles that will provide a myriad of nuanced flavors and characteristics. From picking choices, blending components (hello Petite Sirah!) to fermentation and aging vessel decisions, the final flavor of the Zinfandel in your glass is impacted by them all.
All of those factors come into play when we’re talking about Zinfandel from Legendary Vineyards. The quartet we tasted on our Zoom Event represented Sonoma County, Napa Valley, and El Dorado County, all famously fantastic places with the opportunity to grow great Zinfandel.
Robert Biale Vineyards 2018 R.W. Moore Vineyard Zinfandel ($62)
This vineyard, planted in 1905, represents the only Zinfandel in all of Coombsville. Raspberry and rose petals are evident aromatics here. Flavor wise this Zinfandel is a study in sweet, dark fruit such as plum, blackberry and cherry. Mineral references, and Breyer's Black Cherry Ice Cream are in evidence on the long, beautifully dry finish. 888 cases were produced. This is simply one of a long list of distinct, vineyard specific wines from the folks at Biale.
Ridge 2018 Lytton Springs ($45)
Composed of Zinfandel (72%), Petite Sirah (18%), Carignane (8%), and Mataro (2%) this offerings hails from Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. Ridge has been producing a Lytton Springs wince since 1972. Black and red cherry as well as savory herbs dot the alluring nose. Dark fruit dominates the palate with has depth and elegance to spare. Wisps of spice and a dusting of chicory emerge on the long finish. Racy acid and firm tannins lend to the excellent structure.
Louis M. Martini 2017 Gnarly Vine Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard ($75)
When speaking of Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards, Monte Rosso would be on any well considered short list. This wine is composed entirely of Zinfandel. As the name would suggest the vines are both old and gnarly. Black and Red Raspberry Jam lead the powerful and intoxicating aromatics. Berry fruit continues once you take a sip. Black pepper, dark echolocate and sour black cherry are present as well. Dollops of minerals appear on the persistent finish alongside a complementary drove of spices. Make yourself some Lasagna and pair it with this Monte Rosso Zinfandel for incredible results.
Rombauer 2018 El Dorado Zinfandel, Twin Rivers Vineyard ($42)
In addition to Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah is blended in. Hedonistic dark fruit along with wisps of licorice drive the inviting and somewhat ostentatious aromatics. The flavors are rich, robust, and incredibly juicy. Blackberry, boysenberry, and black raspberry are all evident. Cocoa and white pepper emerge on the finish. This Zin is a study in grace under pressure. It’s big, bold, and bodacious without straying over the top. Brisket with a Honey Siracha glaze would be an inspired pairing.
It’s worth noting that all four of these Zinfandels, not only held on during the second day, but were more expressive and giving. So decanting them is certainly advisable and laying them down for a handful of years will also provide great results. That said each of them has 10 useful drinking years ahead, at bare minimum.