If you like your Zins big and bold without reaching outlandish alcohol levels, this wine is for you. Carol Shelton coaxes a lot of character out of the Zinfandel grape. This wine comes from the relatively unknown Rockpile AVA in Sonoma County. Ripe raspberry, blackberry, and cherry fruits fairly jump from the glass and are underlain by violet, cinnamon, black pepper and vanilla tones. The flavors are equally bold and forward, with the juicy red and black fruits interwoven with subtle herb and spice elements. This is a lively, rich and smooth Zin that will be a fine match for your favorite grilled foods or hearty, cold weather fare.
Carol Shelton Wines, Rockpile (Sonoma County, California) Zinfandel 2011
By Wayne Belding