GOLD MEDAL: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
GOLD MEDAL: Lodi International Wine Awards
3 STAR: BevX.com
2.5 STARS: The San Francisco Chronicle
This week we head south, to Paso Robles, and our friends at Eberle Winery, where Gary Eberle continues to turn out excellent wines at great prices vintage after vintage. It seems like we spend the most time talking about specific vineyards when discussing Pinot Noir (and to an extent Cabernet), but obviously the specific vineyard that the fruit comes from matters for every variety. For several years Eberle has been making Zinfandel by blending two of Paso’s finest Zinfandel vineyards, Wine Bush and Steinbeck. Over the years the results have been stellar, with flavors unique to these two vineyards. The 2008 is no exception.
The 2008 Eberle Steinbeck/Wine Bush Zinfandel is ruby garnet in color. The nose is dark and intense, with classic Zinfandel aromas of blueberry, cherry, and blackberry, along with a hint of smoky oak. The palate is rich and focused, with juicy, ripe berry flavors and plenty of spice, along with a touch of vanilla from the 20% new American oak. This is sure to please fans of California Zinfandel, with just enough acidity to allow it to pair with boldly flavored summer food. At just over $20, this one fits the bill and makes the perfect BBQ wine. Stock up on this one and make it your go to wine this Summer!
Variety: Zinfandel
Appellation: Paso Robles
Vineyards: 40% Steinbeck & 60% Wine-Bush
Alcohol: 15.5%
Acidity: 0.66
pH: 3.82
Residual Sugar: <0.21%
Brix At Harvest: 27˚
Date Harvested: 09/09/08
Cases Produced: 1775
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
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