Remember those old commercials, “I could have had a V8!” The protagonist, after downing a soda, or a glass of sugary juice pretending to have something to do with fruits of the forest, laments not choosing the equally delicious but healthy V8. Well….if I could borrow the commercial for vinous application, perhaps this weekend’s motto would have been: “I could have had a Brunello!”
I’ve been on a hunt lately to find a widely available Zinfandel with loads of jammy fruit, and lots of Zinfandel character. I picked up a few examples based on recomendations, and I have to say, the hunt is still on. The 2008 Nalle Dry Creek Zinfandel was first out of the shoot. It’s got a nice medium cranberry color, and an engaging nose of zinberry fruit, spice, and a hint of menthol. In the mouth the fruit is medium bodied, and has a sort of restrained claret feel to it. Not what I’m looking for in a Zin. This is way too understated a style for me. Finish is medium, flavors are solid but not terribly focused. Everything about this is “medium”. I think Julius Caesar said it best in History of The World Part I: “Nice, nice, not thrilling, but nice.” 87 points, about $28.

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| 2008 Nalle Zinfandel |
The second example, was the 2009 Carlisle Zinfandel – “Carlisle Vineyard.” I’ve had some Carlisle Zinfandels in the past and many have been unique and delicious, but this one didn’t live up to my hopes. In the glass the wine is dark and very extracted looking. The aroma is wonderful. Very floral, with spice, briary wild fruit and toasty oak. In the mouth, the wine displays medium bodied fruit, slight eucalyptus, a bit monolithic. Not as jammy as I would have expected given the color and it’s a bit too acidic for me – which given my love of Italian wines, is saying something. All told, this wine is very tasty, but it didn’t blow me away and at the price, it’s a terrible value. All I kept thinking the entire time we were drinking it was: “I could have bought a 2006 Brunello instead…..” 86 points, about $50!!

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| 2009 Carlisle Zinfandel – Carlisle Vineyard |

The postscript…..There was about 1/3 of the bottle remaining the next day. After sitting on the kitchen counter overnight, the wine fell apart pretty badly. The fruit had faded and the alcohol became more noticeable. Be warned.
Ci Vediamo!
John, you've hit a nerve on so many levels.
You made me laugh (Reference to my reply on the Capanna Brunello), BTW, I'm sure the balance aspect is in relation to what these wine makers intended, and though it's not my style of wine, it is good enough that I'm not disappointed I bought two.
As for the "zinberry fruit" if made that up, it sould be in the dictionary (Way to go).
I've heard the vaunting of Carlisle Zinfandels, but I've been warned!
In the past, I've very much liked the Nalle (2006), but I'm wondering what zinfanstlye you like?
Dennis,
I don't think I can claim "zinberry" to be a phrase I've coined, though I can't recall where I first heard it.
I love the Dry Creek Vineyard Zins – especially the single vineyard wines, but they're only available from the vineyard direct. I have been trying to find something that comes close with mass distribution. Some Carlisle's in the past have been great, but I've never seen them at retail here in NJ until now.
More tasting to do I guess. 🙂
John, I've had a couple vintages of the Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandels, and would recommend that wine to anyone. if you get a chance and you buy one, let me know what you think.
Also, I think it might have been you, but maybe Claire was talking about Four Vines, and I thought quite highly of the QPR of the "Biker".
Very well written post,
Dennis
Dennis,
Thanks – I've loved the Pagani Ranch in the past. I think it was the 1994 that was one of my all time favorite Zins. Unfortunately, that is not too easy to find. I see the East Bench and Three Valleys all over here, and sometimes the Lytton, but not so much the Pagani.
Thanks,
John
Ha! I remember reading "zinberry" in WS and on the old WS boards back in the 90s. No idea who came up with it, but it's been making the rounds for some time now.
I still think you should try the Plungerhead DCV Zin. I've had a few bottles recently and it's really nice…and a third of the price of that Carlisle.
Or you could say "to hell with it" and get on the Dunning mailing list. Got my spring shipment today…2 each of the '10 Private Reserve and Hilltop Zins. Woooooo!
Bill,
I'm looking….and still trying to get past that stupid name…"Plungerhead"….I mean really!
There's another great Zin I used to get, the Haywood Rocky Terrace. I'd like to rustle some of that up too. I'm still looking for the Dunning locally too. I see their Cabernet around, but haven't actively looked for the Zin yet.
J
John and Bill,
I found the Plungerhead DCV today and purchased for $11. An easy name to remember and there is in fact a guy with a plunger on his head on the label.
Nick