Accompanied: Prociutto pasta

Sealed: Natural Cork

Abv. 15%

Tasted: September, 2009

Location: Paso Robles, California

Label Description:

“A family tradition with a new perspective” – not very much description

This I took from the website describing the 2006 vintage:

This zinfandel is filled with bright fruit and remiscent of Brambleberry, shadowing the old vine roots of the 65 year old Zinfandel vineyard. The underlying tones of earth and spice carry through to mid and back palate leaving you with a lingering finish that traces the journey of the gnarled headpruned vines of none other than the Dusi Vineyard

RATING:  Satisfied

I originally tasted this wine at an event earlier this year in conjunction with several other from Four Vines also of Paso Robles. At that time I described it as a more “feminine” zinfandel. After another taste last night I can say consistently that it is not the usual “big”, fruit in your face, spicy Zinfandel. It is in fact a bit tamer, lighter, and refined. The fruit is there, but it is more subdued than in other bottlings.

This is somewhat a difficult review in that it is missing some of what I would expect in such a bottling (the boldness I have come to expect  from a big California Zinfandel), but by the same token because it is a bit lighter and refined, it is a better partner for many foods.

It is a well made wine and worth trying. I purchased this wine at $18. With that said, I cannot say that it is the best QPR at the suggested retail price of $32. Ido recommend this wine at the lower price point.