This wine came out as the group favorite in a Zinfandel based blend blind tasting I hosted recently — and against some well respected, and higher priced, competition. It really needs some air time to show itself, but it comes on like gang-busters with a long decant, showing wild berry, cherry, black pepper, vanilla and mild jammy character in both aroma and flavor, with bright acidity and a long, blooming finish. Contains 9% Carignane, 8% Primitivo, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 2% Syrah, 1% Barbera and 1% Petite Sirah.
Carol Shelton Wines, Mendocino County (California) Zinfandel 2011
By Rich Cook