Price: $11.99 at Total Wine

Style: The “Tom” (Medium body and power with some interesting tastes beyond basic fruits.)

Rating: “Good”

Recommendation: “Grab a few bottles”

Review:

The Zabaco definitely got on my good side from the get-go. The alluring nose was earthy, fruity, rich, and full of cedar, spice, tar, blackberries, and plums… significantly more complex than the average value Zin. In the mouth, it’s a little bit simpler with more focus on the fruit, carried by a medium-full body. My only complaint is that this was a little heavy handed on the alcohol, becoming most noticeable on the medium finish. If the alcohol was a bit more controlled, this one would be a “Really Good” in my book.  But for now, I’m going with a good strong “Good” rating.  And the price is a little higher at $12, so I’m not rushing out for a case any time soon. Nonetheless, certainly worth picking up a couple bottles if you’re not too concerned about sneaking a couple of dollars over that $10 mark.

Winemakers’s notes:

• Our 2010 Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel captures jammy blackberry and spicy black pepper flavors, demonstrating the classic and distinctive characteristics of Zinfandel.
• Our Zinfandel grapes were destemmed, but not crushed. This technique minimized the extraction of harsh, bitter tannins from grape skins and seeds, resulting in concentrated, fresh raspberry flavors in the finished wine.
• Varietal Content: 93% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah
• http://www.ranchozabaco.com/wines/zinfandel/sonoma-heritage-vines-zinfandel.html

More info:

Rancho Zabaco is a Sonoma-based winery 100% focused on Zinfandel. They offer 4 different expressions of the grape based on different terroirs and quality levels.

As you can imagine, the Heritage Vines vintage we tried this month is their lowest price option. I have also previously tried the Toreador Monte Rossa Vineyard version and LOVED it. It was also a touch heavy on the alcohol, but the richness and complexity of the bottle more than made up for that minor faux pas.

http://www.ranchozabaco.com/