Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel Vintners Cuvee XXXII

Thought by many to be one of the better California Zinfandels, Rosenblum Cellars makes this blend of the 2007 and 2008 vintage to very interesting results. Hues of dark ruby towards the blue side color the glass, as waves of blackberry, figs and spices round out the aromas. In the mouth flavors of cherries, vanilla, cocoa and dried fruit combine for a smooth finale that is rich and attractive. Paired well with a risotto with sausage and radicchio at Il Poeta Restaurant.

Cycles Falcon Zinfandel 2006 California

Deep purple in color with a solid texture, an intense nose of ripe cherries, chalk, and raspberries expanding to notes of cedar, remnants of campfire charcoal and burnt marshmallows. Then on the palate firm layers of powdered cherry candy, distinct espresso, chocolate and black pepper. Has a high alcohol content of 15% and finishing like a Port.

Had this by the glass at Pudding Stones on Carmine Street in the West Village, NYC.

Trespass Zinfandel 2006 Napa Valley St Helena

This weekend I had the opportunity to try a GREAT Zinfandel at Eric & Deborah Guido’s Celebration of Autumn: Shades of Red dinner and wine pairing. I’ll go into detail in another post about the whole night, but first I’d like to tout my favorite wine of the day.

Eric and Deb found this gem on their last trip to Trespass Vineyards in Napa. The amazing aromas and flavors literally burst forward from this red wine, perfectly reminding me of autumn. Spicy ripe cherry aromatics explode followed by violets, while flavors arise full of cassis, and raspberries. Richly textured with good acidity and providing a full mouth feel, then gliding into a long silky finish that continues on and on.

This was part of a 3 wine flight that paired excellently with the 2nd course, a delicious Fettuccini topped with Hungarian Goulash with a rich brown sauce. The cut of beef that was used was slow cooked for 6 hours and melted in your mouth.

Unfortunately, by virtue of the positive word of mouth this particular vintage has been getting, it is currently sold out and I can see why.

Cline Zinfandel 2007

Last week I tried the 2006 vintage of this Zinfandel from California, and this '07 is almost as good. A more subtle caramel aroma could be found under the raspberry and spice overtones. Following with white pepper, leather, tea and herbs on the palate and a finish quite lively and very drinkable for the price of around $11.

Winemaker's notes:

As always the California Zinfandel is a challenging and rewarding wine to produce. Severe selection criteria and master blending show in the final product, which showcases a wide array of dark berry fruit including black cherry and raspberry. Additionally, spice notes and a lasting finish of vanilla from oak aging and firm, supple tannins add complexity to this wine. This wine is ready to drink now and will continue to develop complexity over the next three to four years.

A flight at Danny Brown's Wine Bar & Kitchen

Tonight at Danny Brown’s Wine Bar I had a wonderful Red Wine Glazed Scottish Salmon with French Lentils, Chorizo & Watercress paired with 3 red wines from the “Red Flight International”.


First was a Barbera D’Asti “Le Orme” 2005 Michele Chiarlo, Piedmont Italy. With aromas of cherries and mineral tones accented by petrol woven into a metallic backdrop, the palate was sharper with a subtle bite and black cherry sparkling in a bright finish.

Second was from France and called Cote du Rhone Belleruche, Chapoutier, Rhone, 2006. Nutty on the nose with earthy aromas, roasted meats and a bit of vegetal edge. On the palate a red cherry syrup burnished with a bit of chalk, raw wood, and nicely balanced with good smooth acids.

Next up was my favorite, the Zinfandel Cline Sonoma California 2006. Intense aromas burst into beautiful fresh fruit and a delicious caramel candy, then you’re dropped into a field of violets. This wine is full and refreshing with hints of glycerine and oak and very finely balanced.

Bonello Cabernet Sauvignon/Primitivo 2004 Sicily, Italy

I found this Bonello red wine blend from Sicily (An Italian branch of the Beringer Blass Wine Estates) for a mere $5.99 at a local wines/ liquor store. I checked on line and it usually goes for $10-11. They are targeting younger consumers and offering old world wines blended in a new world way... even the label has a more contemporary look.

The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Primitivo displaying intense ruby red color with aromas of blueberries and plum along with flavors of black cherries and notes of black pepper and spice. Sweet, juicy and full-bodied with a fresh acidity and round tannins, I liked this wine for it's very good finish and freshness. It's a great deal even at the $10 range.

winemaker's notes:
The fruit for this wine was sourced from valley and hillside vineyards on the Salento peninsula located in Puglia of southern Italy. The red soils of Salento, consisting of a calcareous base overlain by topsoils rich in iron, create an ideal viticultural environment. The Adriatic and the Ionian seas that border the peninsula bring a welcome cooling influence at night, tempering the hot summer heat. Primitivo, a native Italian varietal is the same as Californian Zinfandel. It is still grown on low, individual, bush-like training systems that create robust, fruity and strongly spicy red wines.

I have to admit I'm not sure whether this wine is made in Sicily or Puglia. If anyone has any info, please inform us.