I miss good old-fashioned Zinfandel… Back in the late 80’s, I fell head-over-heels for Dry Creek Zin. The wines were expressive and spicy with enough structure to give the wines presence without being overpowering. Producers like Alderbrook, Quivara, Mazzocco, Ravenswood, Pedroncelli, Ridge, Rosenblum and Seghesio were making some terrific wines at really reasonable price points. It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed Zinfandel as much as I did back then. Most of the problem is that Zinfandel has become a caricature of itself. Massively fruity with prodigious alcohols often approaching 15%, the wines lack finesse or expression, often playing the loud mouthed boor… Pass.

There’s always hope… While on a buying trip I scooped up the Pezzi King Dry Creek Zinfandel and was pleasantly surprised. The wine is reminiscent of old-fashioned Zinfandel – a mélange of flavors with just the right balance of strength, refinement and finesse and at an average retail of $19.99 it won’t break the bank. So, if you pine for old-fashioned Zin, keep your eye open for Pezzi King – you will not be disappointed.

 

My tasting note:

Intense, jammy nose with blackberry, lilac and curry powder hints – wild. Full-bodied with moderate acidity and firm, well-integrated tannin – good balance. Ripe, youthful palate with red berry and cooked fruit notes – pretty. Moderate length – smooth with a seductive finish. Drinking well now and should hold for another 2 o 3 years in bottle.

Cheers!