A local retailer has recently started sampling bottles on the weekends and I’ve been taking advantage of the opportunity to try new wines; especially when they are offered at reasonable prices.
Recently, I was fortunate enough to try the 2009 Bianchi Family Zinfandel from Paso Robles. I’ve not often liked Zinfandels from Paso Robles and that’s why these in-store tastings are valuable because this is not something I’d have bought “blind”. That said, it seems to me when “Italian Ancestors” produce Zinfandel in California, they do it well. Maybe there’s another axiom there….?
The Bianchi is dark cranberry with violet reflections. The color somehow belies the concentration of the wine in both aroma and flavor. On the nose, it reminds of classic Dry Creek Sonoma Zinfandel. It’s dusty, chalky, briary and spicy, with a jammy crushed berry nose that is well accentuated and not overdone. In the mouth, the wine is ripe and juicy, with a solid core of fruit, great tactile sensation from the dusty, minerally tannins, a nice tight streak of herbalness without being “green” and a wonderful floral finish. Simply delicious. A repeat buy for sure. 91 points, $15.
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| 2009 Bianchi Zinfandel: Dead Ringer for a Dry Creek Valley Zin. |
And look what a few sips of this beauty off my finger did to the Cane Caldo…….
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| Hmmmmm…Maybe he should stick to Aqua Vitae? |
Allora…..
Sounds wonderful! Vineyard over AVA! Sounds like an axiom!
Could be just that Dennis! I was waiting for some kind of snarky comment from you about that "thing" on the couch. 🙂 I know, I know, he's like an "accessory", but he's cute!
John, be sure that his cute-ness had been noted, and no snarkyiness comes from me concerning dogs; they too often make people look BAD!
He's a good boy. It's amazing how much he is a lush though. Whenever I drink ANYTHING, he comes begging. Food? He couldn't care less. 🙂