Zinfandel is interesting for many reasons, not least of which its long history in California, as well as it’s ability to produce wine in a broad range of styles depending upon the climate in which it is grown. Today’s offering, sourced from 100 year old vines in the unique climate of Contra Costa County, combines both of these factors with another of Zin’s best traits: providing bang for your buck. Contra Costa’s cool nights and maritime breezes have resulted in a fresh, lively wine perfect for Summer.
The 2005 Trinitas Cellars Spinelli Vineyard Zinfandel offers Zinfandel’s characteristic garnet color with just a hint of purple. The nose reveals mixed berries, mulling spice, vanilla and cherry, combining to produce a welcoming, rustic impression. The palate is loaded with bright red fruit, hints of plum, and plenty of earthy spice. Good acid and gritty tannin give this wine a little bit of structure, and carry it through to a lively, fresh finish. This is a wonderful barbecue wine for the warm summer months, and its lightness suggests that you might even try serving it slightly chilled and particularly hot days. At just $19, this is one to stock up on and drink until all summer long.
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96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
94 Points
Juice explodes out right of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
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