Zinfandel | nosnob.com wine reviews

Liberty School Zinfandel 2006

April 2nd, 2009 Chuck Posted in USA, Zinfandel No Comments »

When I tried their 2005 Cabernet I made a mental note to remember the name Liberty School. I’m glad I did.
Their label sums it up nicely: “fruit-driven, soft and approachable”. The tannins are present but not overpowering which lets the drinker enjoy it on it’s own or paired with food.
Tip: Released on Jan 17, 2009
At a Glance
Taste	dark ripe berry, warm spice, vanilla
Smell	dark ripe berry, warm spice, cherry
Food	beef, steak, sausage
Sweetness	dry
Price	$17.95
LCBO#	41095
Score	5

November 8th, 2008 Chuck Posted in USA, Zinfandel 1 Comment »

Take the best notes from Cabernet and Shiraz, add some zip, and you have a great Zinfandel. This old vine release from Ironstone has excellent concentrated fruit flavors and incredible depth. The high alcohol is very well balanced and not at all overpowering. Flavours and aromas are big and chewy.
In Ironstone’s case “Old Vine” means the grapes were hand selected from vineyards that are over 45 years old.
Tip: 90% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah
At a Glance
Taste	cassis, blackberry, chocolate
Smell	cassis, chocolate, oak
Food	beef fajitas
Sweetness	dry
Price	$16.95
LCBO#	951889
Score	4.5

August 28th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Italy, Zinfandel No Comments »

High five to all the tree-huggers out there, this is my first bottle of wine in a PET (plastic) bottle, and surprisingly I didn’t hate it as much as I would have thought. Although I wouldn’t feel good about bringing a PET bottle as a hostess present, my favourite aspect of it was the smaller and lighter size of the bottle, while remaining to hold 750ml.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, although primitivo is genetically the same as zinfandel, it is not styled the same and doesn’t hold a candle to a California Zin. Maybe this skewed my option a bit due to the fact that I would love to find such a value priced zin, regardless, I found myself at a table with two others who thought the wine was quite nice.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste	tart plum, sour cherry
Smell	mulberry, blackberry
Food	mushroom and parmesan pasta
Sweetness	dry
Price	$11.95
LCBO#	64121
Score	2.5

August 12th, 2008 Chuck Posted in USA, Zinfandel No Comments »

This best zinfandels come from California, so it’s no surprise that this Californian delivers. What is surprising is that Cline has done it’s customers such a favour by making this bottle so affordable. This is the second time Cline has released an overachiever at a great price, see their Syrah here.
This zin has a full mouthfeel, smooth tannins, lots of dark fruit and finishes with subtle spice and vanilla. Exactly what you should expect from a zinfandel.
Tip: grab a few bottles as this can be cellared for up to 4 years
At a Glance
Taste	black cherry, spice, vanilla
Smell	black cherry, raspberry, vanilla
Food	pork ribs, pepperoni calzone
Sweetness	dry
Price	$12.90
LCBO#	489278
Score	5

April 2nd, 2008 Chuck Posted in Italy, Zinfandel 4 Comments »

Via DNA fingerprinting, it has been determined that Primitivo is essentially the same grape as California’s Zinfandel, this vintage proves that grape type does not always result in a cookie cutter style.
Although quite palatable, it took me a few sips to lock down the aroma, but once I did, I found it a bit tough to get past it. My intention was to get California Zinfandel for a bargain basement price, but in this case I’ll have to keep looking. If you looking for a very earthy, mushroomy, wet hay type of wine, you’ve just found it.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste	wet hay, plum, green
Smell	barnyard, earthy
Food	old cheese
Sweetness	dry
Price	$12.95
LCBO#	687210
Score	1.5

March 17th, 2008 Chuck Posted in USA, Zinfandel 2 Comments »

If your eyes are bugging you, see an ophthalmologist. If your tooth hurts, see a dentist. If you want a good benchmark zinfandel, try Rosenblum.
I think of zinfandel as the middle ground between cabernet sauvignon and shiraz with a zesty punch. Zinfandel is a terrific varietal, if only more people would be open to it, without a doubt it could (and should) be a staple in everyone’s home. Don’t forget that zin was the merlot of the 80’s, times and palates change and like fashion, it all happens in cycles.
Tip: tulip glass
At a Glance
Taste	strawberry, raspberry, menthol
Smell	strawberry, raspberry, vanilla
Food	mediterranean, bbq
Sweetness	dry
Price	$17.80
LCBO#	284653
Score	4.5