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% MORE >>

Recently I received a few samples from Cinnabar Winery in the Paso Robles region of California. Tonight I opened the 2008 Sorcerer's Stone, a blend of Zinfandel 85%, Petite Sirah 10% and Teroldego 5% and right off the bat a relationship began. California Zinfandel red blendlittle smoke and a lot of fruit on the nose. MORE >>

From the Amador County, appearance is clear with medium intensity and garnet ruby colors. On the nose a clean and wonderful intensity, with ample aromas of black cherry, cassis, a defined ripeness, coconut, vanilla and green peppers. Dry on the palate with medium acidity, medium tannins, fuller body, pronounced flavor and a long finish. alcohol MORE >>

He's also a wine lover, but his cellar is full of current California Cabernet and modern day wine from Bordeaux. He arrived at my house carrying a 375 ml bottle of 2001 Turley Paso Robles Zinfandel Delinquent. Not saying that I should spend more time with California wine, or give the Aussie Shiraz a fair shake. MORE >>

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. 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. MORE >>