Yes, I am talking about Zinfandel. Many people don’t realize that Zin is often considered the “workhorse” of California vinifera grape varieties, even though it takes a back seat to the better known Cabernet Sauvignon. Certainly, Zin is not native to the area as its roots go back to Slovenia and the Crljenak grape and is the cloned cousin of the Primitivo grape of Italian fame. Zinfandel is all about Impact and supposedly enjoys abundant sunshine in preferably cool climates, though I heard some conflicting information on this throughout the tasting tonite hosted by Zap (Zinfandel Advocates & Producers). p.s. I am not an official writer/publisher for this event or represent ZAP in any way… I just really liked the event.
The ZAP event was held in the Piedmont room of the Park Tavern with a wonderful view of the city skyline. This tasting was more about the wineries and distributors sharing their wines vs. the normal intimate tastings we host, attend and write about. The room was a buzz, which made it hard to hear, but a blast to be a part of and everyone was nice as could be… why not? we’re drinking wine for cripes sake! After waiting in the lobby with glass in hand like we were at the starting line of the Boston Marathon, the crowd broke free and the fun begain. Here are my thoughts on the favorites of what we tasted, though we couldn’t taste them all, unfortunately.
I have to agree with Hardy (Dirty), yes my competition for Murphy-Goode Wine Country Lifestyle 
Correspondent, on the recommendation of the 2006 Lamborn Family Vineyards from Howell Mountain… this wine rocked the night as 100% Zin, big, ripe black berry fruit with smooth velvety mouthfeel and spice finish. We learned the 2007 vintage would be better, as 2006 in general was not good to the area, and a “sneak preview” would be available soon directly from the winery.
After that, we (the wife and I) felt The 2005 Heritage Vineyard being offered by the Atlanta Wine School, and the only wine we saw actually decanted, was the biz-omb. The vineyard is part of the UC-Davis Oakville research station in Napa Valley and ZAP began making this wine in 1997. This was standard Zin with blackberries and plum very distinctual with some pepper.
Finally our favorites are rounded out with the 2005 Alexander School Old Vine Zinfandel from Alexander Vineyards. I think I recall these were about 50 year old vines (not 100% sure), but the Dr. Pepper cola characteristic really grabbed my attention on this one in addition to the expected blackberries and plums once again.
Overall, several wines were over extracted, too jammy and oaky and were even purple (like Malbec), which follows much of what many no longer like from California these days. If you should ever be true to the fruit with a variety, give Zin the love it deserves, in my opinion. I saw many very light, ruby, ripe blackberry, cherry, plummy, fruity Zin that really were smooth and delightful that I am refreshed the old workhorse lives on.
Notables:
Murphy-Goode 2003 Snake Eyes, Alexander Valley
C.G. DiArie 2005 Southern Exposure, Shenandoah Valley (CA)
Fritz Winery 2006 Reserve, Dry Creek Valley
Damn, I didn’t try any of your favorites and I only missed like 4 or 5 tables…
Branman, no worries and thanks for the post… that’s the joy of wine… what you and I like could be different and there are so many out there, it’s ok to “miss a few tables”… here’s to meeting up at the next one!
Ed – thanks for the kind words in regards to the 2006 Lamborn Zin! So glad to hear you enjoyed it. You met my dad, Mike Lamborn, there in Atlanta. And that “sneak preview” of our ’07 zin you mentioned is now available on our website. If you liked the ’06 that much I’m confident you’ll love the ’07. Great Muprhy-Goode video, by the way. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to meet you if you get to move to Sonoma…!
Hey, Brian.. .thanks for chiming in! Love the work you are doing and can’t wait to check out the ’07 and come visit. Tell all your friends!