Frei Brothers Winery, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) Zinfandel 2011

I am constantly amazed at the variety of scents and flavors that Dry Creek Zinfandel is capable of producing when it’s managed well.  This example shows bright jammy berry fruit, black pepper and a bit of menthol in the nose and on the palate, and finishes long with the pepper notes coming forward.  It’s a big boy that manages its 14.9% alcohol nicely.  I would serve this with grilled meats, or with a cheese course.  Contains 4% Petite Sirah.