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Wines of the Week Archive
Archived September 4 2009

Summer Zinfandels for the Grill
Originally Published August 15, 2009
By Chuck Hill
Part 1 of a Series
(See Part 2) (Part 3)

With hearty aromas of smoky black cherry, brambly blackberry and rich toasty oak, one is seduced into slurping rich and juicy Zinfandels with favorite foods from the grill. Serving Zins with meats from the grill helps these rich - and often oaky - wines pair up with the smoky grilled flavors as they lend their ripe fruity nuances to the mix. Chef Ted grilled up his famous Chimichurri flank steak for this session.

Barnard Griffin
2006 Zinfandel, Reserve
Hells Gate Vineyard
$25.00

The Hells Gate Vineyard is located in the Columbia Gorge just west of the Maryhill Museum. It must be the right place to grow Washington Zinfandel, since talented winemaker Rob Griffin crafts a superb example each year. Bright aromas of plum and cherry mingle with toasty oak and lead to a rich fruity palate of red fruits, spicy oak and a balanced finish that makes this a "go-to" food wine.

Eola Hills Wine Cellars
2007 Zinfandel, Lodi
$24.00

Eola Hills brings old vine (65-years) Zinfandel grapes north from Lodi, California to craft this over-the-top Zin that shows exceptional character. Look for juicy-ripe blackberry aromas with spicy pepper, cedar and smoke. The palate offers the classic jammy, juicy, cherry flavors wrapped in spicy nuances of oak.

B. R. Cohn
2007 Zinfandel
Sonoma County, Olive Hill Estate
$38.00

Bruce Cohn is manager of The Doobie Brothers rock band and has been since 1969. His love for the Sonoma County wine country moved him north from San Francisco where he founded his namesake winery. This special Zinfandel offers ripe cherry and berry aromas with smoky, spicy oak. The palate is rich with red fruit flavors and tangy notes of coffee and mocha.

Sineann
2007 Zinfandel, Old Vines
Columbia Valley
$36.00

Winemaker/owner Peter Rosback describes this as his flagship wine, crafted from grapes grown on 100-year-old vines near The Dalles, Oregon. The wine is dark and brooding, showing aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, smoky cedar and barrel spice. In the mouth, the wine is rich and unctuous with flavors of chewy, toasty blueberry, cassis and raspberry. Serve this special wine with your finest efforts from the grill.

Maryhill Winery
2006 Zinfandel, Reserve
Columbia Valley
$36.00

Maryhill winemakers use a blend of fruit from three Washington AVAs to craft this powerful reserve wine; Milbrandt Vineyards on the Wahluke Slope, Alder Ridge in the Horse Heaven Hills and Gunkel Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge are represented in the blend that offers forward fruit aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, floral perfume and vanilla. Ample toasty oak abounds in both nose and palate with lingering fruit flavors holding court on your tongue while you carve your next bite of steak.

Three Angels
2007 Zinfandel
Avery Vineyard, CV
$20.00

First, let's identify the three angels: Laureen, Alex and Morgan Fus - wife and two daughters of owner/winemaker Ed Fus. This new operation focuses on Zinfandel and Primitivo from mostly Washington vineyards. The Avery Vineyard Zin has a spicy, youthful nose of cherry and rhubarb with notes of anise and cedar. The palate is ripe and luscious offering smoky cherry flavors with notes of coffee and tobacco. An excellent pairing with foods from the grill.

Columbia Crest
2006 Zinfandel, Reserve
Stone Tree Vineyard, Wahluke Slope
$35.00

This special single-vineyard reserve Zinfandel is a blend of 76% Zinfandel, 12% Primitivo and 12% Petite Sirah, all grown at the Stone Tree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. The aroma of the wine belies the power to come on the palate, offering notes of spicy floral perfume, strawberry and cherry cola. Flavors build on the palate with the lighter cherry giving way to black fruits and dark chocolate on the finish. A complex and interesting wine that shows well with rich grilled beef.

Kendall Jackson
2006 Zinfandel, Vintners Reserve
$14.00

Hailing predominately from Mendocino and Sonoma counties, this value-priced bottling exhibits bright, focused fruit from the coastal vineyards, tempered with rustic nuances of toasty oak. Blackberry, jammy black cherry and plum are complemented by spicy cedar and vanilla. Good with grilled meat, pizza and hearty pasta sauces.

Woodenhead Vintners
2006 Zinfandel
Martinelli Road Vineyard Old Vine, RRV
$45.00

From 124-year-old vines in the Russian River Valley comes this one-to-write-home-about Zinfandel. "A classic Barolo-like Zin," says winemaker Nikolai Stez, offering a unique interpretation of the international comparison of style and varietal. The complex aroma includes floral perfume, cassis, brambly blackberry, plum and cedar. The palate pushes forward with berry, cherry, dark chocolate and espresso mocha. Co-owner Zina Bower joins Nick in advising, "Not for the faint of heart." Worth seeking out for your next Zin 'n Meat tasting.

Fetzer Vineyards
2007 Zinfandel
Valley Oaks, California
$11.00

Vineyard sources for this bargain Zin range from Paso Robles north to Mendocino and east to Lodi. Blended with Petite Sirah and Syrah to capture the richness and body of the Fetzer heritage, the wine offers aromas of raspberry, currant, strawberry and spicy wood notes. The medium-bodied palate is easy drinking with berry and cherry flavors. Not overly complex or powerful, but clean and tasty - worth more than the price.

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Last revised: 09/21/2009