So, one of the first things they tell you about Zinfandel is that it's not a wine that ages well. I call bullshit on that. But let's take a step back.
Today (the day I opened the wine and wrote this, NOT the day you're reading it) is my birthday. And I decided to celebrate by opening on of the two bottles of Chateau Montelena wine that I had on hand. Chateau Montelena is possibly my favorite winery in the world, and it's highly unlikely that I'll be back to visit it for a while. Normally, I'd hoard something like that, but these were really enjoyable (and somewhat pricey) wines, back in the day. And I really didn't want them to go to waste, either.
So. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that these wines started out really good and who knows, if I'd opened them a few years ago maybe they'd have been better. But I am totally enjoying this wine right now, so maybe don't be so afraid to keep a really good bottle of Zinfandel on hand for a few more years than most people would recommend.
The first thing I noticed is that the tannins have absolutely been tamed, which--I'm not gonna lie--is kind of a shame. But the smoothness is amazing too.
The wine is translucent, a really dark shade of garnet, no legs of course. The nose has a gamey, earthy, fennel scent. I've learned a new wine word, recently: Garrigue. Apparently that refers to a combination of plants--juniper, rosemary, lavender, thyme, etc. And I think that's what I'm smelling in this wine. It's herbaceous but also floral with hints of cherry and mint.
As I said, the flavor is very smooth. Not at all what I'm used to, being generally a young wine drinker. It's soft but bright--very much like blood orange--and very dry.
I would pair this wine with a rack of lamb, or barbacoa tacos or maybe a pasta bolognese. Or a pizza with arugula, goat cheese, balsamic and truffle honey. There are a couple of places here that make something like that, and I'm making myself hungry.
Maybe, if I don't finish this bottle tonight, I'll do that.
Final verdict: very yummy wine. Takes me back to the days when Napa was (almost literally) in my backyard. Which is good considering that the book I'm currently working on is set there. But it also makes me miss it that much more.
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