My favorite style of Zinfandel is coming back into vogue after a long stretch of overly sweet, high-octane wines that will impress but are difficult to match with anything that I like to eat. This wine will be getting some table time at my place. It shows a big nose of brambly blackness, with touches of vanilla, raisin box and black pepper, and it translates the aromas directly into flavors in a dry style that emphasizes the pepper character. It carries its fifteen percent alcohol extremely well, and is ready to stand up to a big porterhouse steak.
Navarro Vineyards, Mendocino (California) Zinfandel 2012
By Rich Cook