Wine Asylum

Posted by mkuller (A) on March 16, 2010 at 10:18:59

...although some of these will be hard to find, I thought I'd let you know about them anyway. These aren't just my own opinions, but a mix of mine, the friend who went with me and some of the people we talked with. Most of the winemakers were all there, too.

There were 8 zins:

My favorite was:

Dutton Goldfield Morelli Lane Vinyard RRV 2006 - $40 - almost like a pinot noir/zin blend with some nice cherry fruit in the finish, not much pepper. Different style than the others.

Next group:

Bedrock Dry Creek Valley 2008 - $33 (This one wasn't really part of the dinner, but the young lady working in the wine shop sat across from us and recommended it, so I bought a bottle and mixed it in.)

Seghesio San Lorenzo Alexander Valley 2007 - $56 (good but very pricey - limited distribution)

Tofanelli Napa Valley 2007 - $36 - Vince Tofanelli was there looking like an aging hippie. I've had both Ravenswood and a Neyers zins made from his vinyard in years past.

Next two:

Gamba Old Vine, Gamba Estate, Russina River Valley 2007 - $43

Charter Oak, Monte Rosso Vinyard Sonoma - $42

Bottom group;

Outpost, Howell Mountain 2007 - $47 - this surprised me since I've been on their mailing list and am drinking and enjoying the 2005 now. Winemakers were a couple of young guys.

Saxon Brown, Casa Santinamaria, Sonoma 2006 - $35

I'd say they were all pretty good, but the top 4 are worth seeking out. The wine shop (Prima Vini in Walnut Creek, CA) adjacent to the restaurant sells them all and will ship - 10% discount on a mixed case.

Edits: 03/16/10   03/16/10   03/16/10