Francis Winery Sonoma County Old Vines Zinfandel, 2008 California The average age of the vines here are 80-100 years old, and actually is 89% Zin, and the rest a blend of Alicante Bouschet, Mourverdre, Carignane, Syrah and Petite Sirah. The wines were from California, Italy, France and New Zealand. Great deal at $10. Nice long layered finish.

All too often, Zinfandel is a highway to a quick, cheap buzz. Although I also tasted some spectacular wines of Monte Bello , I was looking forward to the tasting of old zinfandels dating back to 1973, including multiple pairs of Geyserville and Lytton Springs–could a Zinfandel age gracefully, I wondered?

Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. After two months of laying around, drinking coffee, tea, water and gatorade and laying off the good stuff I am beginning to feel the need for a long day of wine shopping, but the fridge is full and I will just have to do my part in making room for more. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.

If Miller is the Champagne of Beers, perhaps this is the Champagne of White Zinfandels? Actually, since a 2005 bilateral accord between the US and the EU, the term Champagne cannot be used on new labels of American sparkling wine. Also of note: the last time I checked, there were zero hectares of Zinfandel vines in Champagne.

I love it when Shirley decides to experiment in the kitchen. It either means we end up going out to dinner or I am in for a special treat. don't always know where she gets her inspiration and last night I did not see any of her cookbooks on the counter, so that means she thought about this recipe while trimming her herb garden.

I don't often go with Shirley and Pam to the Saturday morning Central New York Regional Farmer's Market, but I made an exception today. was also out of bed early enough to tag along, which is unusual. did stop at one and tasted their 2007 Meritage. It seems to be that the wine always is a bit different, no, a lot different than what I remembered.

then decided to open a 3 litre box of Boho Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel that was sent to me from the Underdog Wine Merchants. Winemakers Notes: The grapes from the Oakley Old Zinfandel Vines provide the base for this wine. Tags: box wine California Zinfandel At present, my Cardiologist has OK'd 3-4 oz. Best of all is the price.

Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. An international wine collection with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask from the Octavin Home Wine Bar ™. The Chardonnay was not impressive. Definitely a good party wine.

With May and New York Riesling month coming to close soon, it is safe to say that I tasted more Riesling this month than any one year in my life. The hard part was deciding which ones I would post on the blog. After this article I will post once more on a NY Riesling and may list all those I have had. Both were opened with a BBQ chicken dinner.

This past Monday evening was a first for me on-line. Because of my work schedule and Shirley's extra long 'honey-do' list I never have the chance to do a tweet up on Twitter or follow a wine party on Facebook. You can add comments or photos or just sit back, relax, read what others are having and just sip away on your own wine.

This past weeks edition of the Syracuse New Times, a weekly alternative newspaper published in Syracuse, New York, contained an interesting article on Finger Lakes Riesling. Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report. Sipping later was delightful.

To continue Riesling month here in New York, I wanted to find something other than my favorites from the Finger Lakes region. Doing so seemed almost impossible. Other than ordering on line, it is very difficult to find New York wines other than Finger Lakes and Adirondack wineries in the local shops. Enough history.

Just finished watching the movie "Avatar" while sipping on my first Riesling of the summer. Finger Lakes Riesling of course. This month is Riesling month in New York and this will be the first of many I'll enjoy over the next 30 days. The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. This is now one of her favorites.

Most notably, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. few of the issues are for how long and where. Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world. Suggested retail is $15. must buy!

I'm starting to surprise myself with what I am finding with Zinfandel and also a bit disappointed that I wasted so many years with such a limited selection or narrow palate. The 2004 vintage is 96% Zinfandel and 4% Petite Sirah. Tags: California red wine Sonoma County Zinfandel Deep dark fruit aromas with some cherry.

This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010. The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine. did enjoy this with some Muenster and Dubliner cheese. It'll be fun!!!

Of the younger releases, the 2005 stood out as particularly gorgeous with fresh acidity, minerality and youthful tannin under a seductive wrap of dark fruit. Coming up in a future post, answers to the question: can Zinfandel age gracefully? Paul Draper is, without question, one of the world’s great winemakers. The road to Monte Bello.

It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare. The first was disappointing.

Wish I had a nice Canadian wine tonight so I could toast the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team on their winning of the Gold medal. am not an avid hockey fan, but I do watch occasionally and tonight enjoyed one of the best ever games. Instead, I uncorked an Arboleda Carmenère 2006 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. Bring on the steaks!!! Wine Acidity: 5.31

BTW, they are Zinfandel, Syrah, Pitite Sirah and Carmenere. Think my taste buds are back. I've been having a few problems with red wines since finishing some prescribed meds a few weeks ago. No matter what was tried I was getting a very musty taste. The Zins are coming along better than expected and Syrah is rapidly becoming one of my faves.

Behind the bar one of the owners, Joe Rabasco recommends the Costa Del Sol Napa 2005 blend of Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Merlot produced by Bennesere Vineyards. Every morning I’ve been passing by a storefront in New York’s West Village that for months had its windows papered to block a view to the inside. That’s a good start.

One of the great things about social networking is that you often get in contact with friends and classmates from a time when all was great, life was fun and we were all going to live forever. was reminded of just that this past week as I chatted with an old friend and High School classmate from the mid-60's. Here's what I learned.

Sometimes when you least expect it, you open what may becomes your new favorite bottle of wine. Tonight I opened one of my remaining bottles of Finger Lakes wine purchased at my last tour in December. An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Can't do much better than that. Alcohol: 13.0%

Big break in weather today here in Central New York. Temperatures will reach about 30F. Must be the annual January thaw! To celebrate I figured to open one of my usually reserved for warm weather whites. My choice is one that was recently purchased at Lakewood Vineyards on Seneca Lake at the December 'Deck the Halls" event. 2007 Riesling.

So, to start off the new year I opened one of my least favorite wines, Zinfandel. The Bonterra Zinfandel is one that I will buy again. Tags: California red wine Mendocino County Zinfandel organic Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% Zin is one wine that over the years I tried earnestly to enjoy. Alcohol 14.5%

I'll just say it: I'm not a fan of late harvest zinfandel. So this 2007 Late Harvest Dusi Ranch is the only wine from Ridge I couldn't really get into this year. On the bright side, Ridge has instituted a new membership log-in to streamline purchases online. Thank baby Jesus, too.

Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. From that day on I was a fan. enjoyed the Syrah with Shirley's three bean chili.

This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. If I do, I will have to include the German grape, Dornfelder as one of the highlights. Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. It is the 3rd most planted red wine grape in Germany.

The first was a little stomach problem that still lingers and the second was a fear that this would be like any other Zinfandel I've tried. The second bottle was an Agent for Change 2006 Zinfandel. A4C has released three wines from Central Coast California: a Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

Produttori del Barbaresco, Barberesco, 2005 (about $33): I poured this wine the first day to illustrate tannins. This blend of mostly zinfandel fermented with natural yeasts has 13.8% Another six-week session of my NYU class just wrapped up last week. How could it not be? Many Nebbiolo fans were made from a sip of this wine.

2005 Buchignani Ranch Zinfandel ** from 44 barrels of 96% zinfandel with 4% carignane from the same "small planting of old-vine zinfandel on the Buchignani Ranch on Dutcher Creek Road in the hills on the far western edge of the Alexander Valley appellation." Good notes of frozen dried strawberry and whey. 

Dry Creek Valley has become a Mecca of sorts for those seeking world class zinfandel. And while I don't adhere to the particularly strident belief among certain producers and connoisseurs that Dry Creek Valley produces the "gestalt" of zinfandel , there is no question it produces some of the finest. on the finish. Caveat emptor.

Previously reviewed: 2005 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville ** 2004 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay **/ 2005 Nickel & Nickel Manzana Vineyard RRV Pinot Noir * 2005 Nickel & Nickel “Bonfire Vineyard” Zinfandel * 2004 Nickel & Nickel Copper Streak Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. In other words, a loser.

always appreciated wine, but it was a 1995 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel that hooked me when I was working as a stock boy in a fancy wine and cheese shop during college. The rationale is that Ridge wants to focus exclusively on cabernet, chardonnay, and zinfandel. Wooden crosses line the road, where, I presume, luckless travelers have fallen.

This week I had a chance to attend a tasting of 12 Zinfandels hosted by Greg Dal Piaz at the Snooth offices. 2005 Berryessa Gap Yolo County 15.8% $16 Smoked meats again, dishwater, black and white pepper, ripe cherries jolly rancher, chemical aftertaste, harsh wood. 2006 Simi Sonoma County 13.5% $20 Not too much happening here.

We also drank the 2005 Cellars Unio Roureda Llicorella Blanc , a white wine from Priorat made entirely of Pedro Ximenez, of Sherry fame. The other red was the 2006 Ravenswood Old Hill Zinfandel. have almost no experience whatsoever with Zinfandel, primarily because I've never met one that I like. Thomas ' house recently.

The second Advanced Tasting Program release of 2009 is the 2005 Buchignani Ranch Zinfandel ** From 44 barrels of 96% zinfandel and 4% carignane from the same vineyard, "This wine comes from a small planting of old-vine zinfandel on the Buchignani Ranch on Dutcher Creek Road in the hills on the far western edge of the Alexander Valley appellation.

In 2005, the EU and US reached a bilateral accord to end a round of negotiations that had lasted twenty years. Such was the problem that confronted Peltier Station , a winery in Lodi that wanted to release a port-style wine from Zinfandel grapes last year. with that and the USB ports found on computers. Advertisement: Tags: giveaway

The 2004 Copper Streak reminded me initially of Araujo's 2005 Eisele Vineyard, with more vanilla. Previously reviewed: 2005 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville ** 2004 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay **/ 2005 Nickel & Nickel Manzana Vineyard RRV Pinot Noir * 2005 Nickel & Nickel “Bonfire Vineyard” Zinfandel *.

Ridge Vineyards' first Advanced Tasting Program release of 2009 , from 48 barrels of 100% zinfandel planted in 1923 on the Dusi Ranch one mile east of Highway 101 in Paso Robles, this big, mouth coating zinfandel is loaded with ripe red fruit. The wine is concentrated, ruby red, and has mild smoke and bacon notes underneath.

On New Year's day we opened a couple new zinfandels from the 2005 vintage to bring in the new year with hearty fare (chips and salsa) as we watched the Big 10 get eviscerated, once again, in the BCS bowls. Tags: 2 stars USA 2005 Sonoma Napa Valley Look for good dark fruits and mild loam, but no "wow."

First was a Barbera D’Asti “Le Orme” 2005 Michele Chiarlo , Piedmont Italy. Next up was my favorite, the Zinfandel Cline Sonoma California 2006. Tags: Cotes Du Rhone Piedmont Barbera Danny Brown Wine Bar Zinfandel With aromas of cherries, mineral tones accented by petrol woven into a metallic backdrop.

Jean California Merlot 2005 * This is by all accounts a good value and one worth picking up to host a dinner party, a wedding, a bar mitzavah, or the return of the prodigal son from his animal quest. Garnet color, with a focus on the intense red berry characteristics of zinfandel and a mild loamy texture. No idea? Chateau St.

A wow wine at age five, you would never know this was petite sirah, and it has only been in bottle since November 2005. Composed of 77% Petite Sirah with 23% Zinfandel from the Lytton Springs estate vineyards, this is inky and opaque with blackberry jam, sweet tannins reminiscent of fine Right Bank Bordeaux, and velvety Shiraz-esque texture.

Lot 86, a 2006 Lodi Zinfandel from California: Nose: warm, wood, jammy on the sweet side of dry, juicy and chewy, also very nice. Lot 72, a 2005 Meritage from California: Nose: sweet, earthy aromas with a Bordeaux model. All were very good, my 2 standout favorites were the Spanish Tempranillo and the California Zinfandel

Flat purple color. Big nose of prunes and raspberries. Tight and focused on the palate, all fruit now - not showing any minerality, stone or oak. This may improve with time, but was one-dimensional this time around

This is still very young tasting after being open three days, and it's still showing primary fruit traits: pure berries and cream. Dark garnet color with rose bramble on the nose. Black cherries and hints of mint on the mid-note. It developed structure over time and should cellar for six to eight years. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

The 2005 Old Vine Cuvee is made from 37% Mataro, 24% Zinfandel, 18% Carignan, 13% Petite Syrah and 8% Alicante Bouschet. ©photo 2008 by Dave Trieger This is another one of my picks from the tasting I attended this past weekend at The Restaurant at Sun & Surf Beach Club in Atlantic Beach, N.Y. This is an amazing deal for $18

Please sit back and enjoy a bottle of our 2005 Barry Bonds Estate Cabernet. will say Ive had some terrific, well-made Ridge zin-based blends but my palate rejects zinfandel like its a foreign organ. Now, what could make the fellow happier? Commentary to follow. Feel free not to wait. Signed.one of the terroir jihadist. Comments ".weird

Zinfandel is a very common varietal in Sonoma county and I tried 2 Zins at Sausal; the 2004 Family Zinfandel & the 2005 Private reserve Zin. There was also a Merlot, Cab, and then 4 zinfandels. Ridge is a well known Zinfandel producer & upon arrival we were WARMLY greeted by a very nice woman. Great stuff!

then moved onto the 2005 Hayne Vineyard Zin & '05 reserve Zin. These Zinfandels are made from old vine fruit, some of it over 100 years old. tried the Volker Eisele 2005 Cab which was nice and somewhat subdued and finally the Showkett Vineyards 2005 Cab. But it was ideology's 2005 Merlot that I preferred.

wine I really loved and found quite unique was the 2005 Domaine de Roally Vire'-Clesse' from the Macconnais, France. tasted 4 of them; a 2005 from grapes with botrytis (a desirable mold that when properly managed leads to long lived sweet wines), and 3 Vouvray. Interestingly enough, they make a 100% grenache wine called the (2005) St.

don't usually go to tastings like this, especially if they're outside of New York City, because they're too expensive, but I made an exception for this event to get a chance to catch up a little with Eric Baugher, winemaker at Ridge, who was pouring the 2005, 2006, and 2007 Monte Bellos. traveled down to Wasihngton D.C. French wines! Awesome.

An old vine field blend containing zinfandel, petit sirah, alicante boushet, carignane, trousseau, sangiovese, petit boushet, negrette, syrah, muscat noir, cinsault, and grenache. Another gem suggested by Eric Baugher. Medium ruby with a slight shine on it. Spicy nose mixed with stewed plum and herbs.sage note? This is worth investigating

The 2005 Ridge Vineyards Geyserville Zinfandel ** is a restrained and foreboding wine at first blush. For a 2005 Sonoma Zinfandel, this is a very interesting wine with a solid tannic backbone. The wine evolves with aeration, providing banana, colada, sweet vanilla, blueberry and light, mellow red licorice notes

You will find both 2005 & 2006 vintages in stock. The 2005 is selling for $12.50 have found 2003 -2005 in stores ranging in price from about $ 13.50 In our present category you will find an atypical blend from Recanati - their Reserve Petite Sirah/Zinfandel blend. Buy it up, drink it and be proud. Galil Mountain.

And finally the Peay 2005 "La Bruma" Estate Syrah, which I was told came from a very cool Syrah site, was also not a fruit bomb like some of the other Syrah's I tried. based on prices it was actually the cheapest of their 3 Pinots, the 2005 Etude "Temblor" Pinot Noir. Sadly, the prices for Peay wines are quite high. Great stuff.

Dark plum turning cherry at the rim. Mild lavendar and raspberry leaves on the nose, but very restrained. Full throttle acidity and then the mild fruits emerge - dark fruits, mulberries, sour plum and sour cherry. There's dried flowers here too, and bay leaf, with a coarse texture.

Best Ridge Zinfandel of the 2005 vintage, and the best I've tasted recently except for the sold out but virtually perfect Lytton East 2003 Bright dense purple and cola syrup color. Good depth of fruit on the nose with menthol, mellow cherry and light red licorice notes.

Plum purple. Bit hot on the nose with roses, cherries, oaky vanilla and cola. Warm on the palate - molten stones, big warm raspberries, ripe cranberries, cola and oak on exit. Finishes a long time with lots of well integrated tannins and cherry flavors

Translucent plum. Red berries and candied apple predominates. Very well balanced acidity reminds me of fresh tomato sauce in texture and balance. Light spice on exit

Light ruby. Extraordinarily pinot-esque. Mellow ripe cranberry, red jolly ranchers and light spices with a very mineral midpalate. This is nicely balanced but it's still too early to show real tannic structure. Apparently, these aromas can be indicative of something called mercaptan , which is generally considered a fault in wine. liked this.

Petit Sirah is a varietal I had initially understood to be a blending grape - one that could provide color, strength & structure to a blend (often with Zinfandel). Got a couple of interesting wine offer emails over the weekend. And two stood out, as they were priced to TRY. The first is a Petit Sirah from California. HOLD THE PRESSES.

2005 Ridge Vineyards Dusi Ranch Zinfandel ATP Selection * Good deep plum color turning ruby at the rim. Welcome to SLAKED ! my wine tasting journal. On the nose chocolate covered cherries and dried cranberries. Silky texture, liquid minerality and zesty mouth feel, kumquat, tangerine, and sea salt. Lots of chocolate covered chilis.

Basically, What's up with Zinfandel? Zinfandel today has achieved a sort of cult wine status in the US. And then there is "White Zinfandel." And to add to the craziness there is a grape in Southern Italy (Apulia, the heel of the boot that is Italy) by the name of Primitivo that everyone thought was a relative of Zinfandel.

Well ladies and gentlemen, the results are in. will be copying a list of wines & their scores from Israeli Wine Critic Daniel Rogov's "Wine & Food Forum".  I am waiting for my physical copy of the issue to arrive before I comment specifically.  More comments later.  Without further ado, the scores.