Forgotten Vines Zinfandel Reviews

SILVER

This Zin is like a cuddly old pussycat. It purrs in your lap, yet there’s a lot of personality. The Old Vines designation refers to the sourcing of the grapes from pre-Prohibition vineyards. That may or may not account for the unusual softness and approachability. But what’s certain is that this Zinfandel is delicious in black cherries, raisins, olive tapenade, black pepper and smoky oak.

The 2010 Zinfandel Forgotten Vines spent 15 months in a combination of French and American oak. It possesses a healthy dark ruby color along with impressive cherry, raspberry and cranberry fruit notes intermixed with notions of pepper and spice, medium to full body, and lots of character and personality. Drink this excellent Zinfandel over the next 4-5 years.

(raised for 15 months in a combination of French and American oak; 15.5% alcohol): Opaque ruby. Ripe cherry and singed plum on the nose and in the mouth. Warm and supple in texture, with a note of finishing heat and soft tannins coming on late. Plenty rich but I wish that there were more vivacity here.

Zesty and ripe, but balanced by a solid core of acidity and tannins. Aromas of dried cherry and licorice open to briary plum, toasty sage and cracked pepper flavors.

Picture perfect Sonoma Zin, said to be made from old-vine vineyards. It’s dry, softly tannic and sweetly ripe in black raspberry, cherry and blackberry fruit, with a rich earthiness and even an umami touch of grilled bacon. Delicious for drinking now.