It's been a real long time since last I tried a bottle of this ... but the real story behind this wine isn't how long its been since I've had one, but instead how I acquired bottles of this. A friend I was taking WSET classes with was also a wine agent and learned that I was a big Zinfandel fan. I got a call late one evening from said friend who informed me she had an open bottle and was inviting a few folks over to try it, wondered if I were interested (knowing my love for the grape) ... I jumped at the opportunity to taste a Zinfandel I have never heard of; so needless to say I loved the wine and shared the purchase of a case with another Zin lover who was there that night. This alas is my last bottle and I'm sad to say it is drinking even nicer today than it did when I tasted before, and it has gotten better each time after, and it is maturing gracefully. The nose is pure black pepper with nicely spiced plum, hints of vanilla and a touch of dark cocoa. The palate is full of cocoa, spiced-vanilla, plum, and black raspberry. The alcohol gives this one a warming effect in the belly but it's balanced and the wine bites back with all those spice notes.
