This is a big wine that delivers big fruit and spice in a complex, dry style. Aromas of bramble, black cherry, plum, vanilla and black pepper are very forward, fooling you into expecting something sweet, but bright acidity and a firm tannic grip bring the pepper tones forward first in the mouth, with the fruit and some allspice coming up underneath and hanging in long with great integration and no overt jam tones. Give this a good long decant before serving with a hearty grilled steak — or enjoy its evolution in the glass.
Benessere Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Zinfandel 2009
By Rich Cook