Wine Tasting: 2013 Tin Barn Zinfandel - Los Chamizal Vineyards

This evening we are going with 2013 Tin Barn Zinfandel from the Los Chamizal Vineyard in Sonoma California. The winemaker is Michael Lancaster.

Tasting Notes:
Inky maroon in color, with a peppery black currant on the nose. On the palate, cranberry, red plum, and smoky leather. Smooth with a late propulsive bite from the semi-stout ABV. (15.8%)

Final Thoughts:
The wine is good, but not "great". The semi-stout ABV is unobtrusive as does not detract from this wine at all. I would say this is a drinking Zinfandel rather than a pairing one.

Wine Tasting: 2012 Decoy Zinfandel

I've recently tried Duckhorn's Goldeye and thought it was fantastic.  Today, I wanted to try another one of their products.  The Decoy line of Zinfandel.  The 2012 vintage to be exact.

Tasting Notes:
Burgundy in color with medium legs.  Jammy red fruit on the nose, On the palate I would a completely sugarless raspberry.  The point that it's is on the edge of being outright bitter.  The acidity is quite high out of the bottle, but it burns off after a bit, though not enough to vastly improve the wine.  The wine is thin lacking the body you generally expect from a big Zinfandel.

Final Thoughts:
I'm a huge fan of big fat jammy Zinfandel.  I'm not a fan of this wine as it definitely is not one of those.  This is however, my first Decoy wine. I really enjoy Duckhorn's Goldeneye wines.  I hope other wines in the Decoy line do not disappoint as this one does.

Wine Tasting: 2011 Banknote Counterfeit Zinfandel

Today's wine is comes from one of my favorite value wine producers.  Banknote's Counterfeit series wines.

Banknote is an interesting story.  They do not have their own vineyards.  They produce their wines from purchased grapes.  The proprietor is a graphic designer who re-creates old bank notes as art.  When he was trying to decide on a name for his wine, his son or daughter (can't recall who, I was told the story by the wines local distributor) said that Pete should use his art on the bottle and Banknote Counterfeit was born.

Tasting Notes:
Gorgeous ruby red in color, classic rose petals and radish on the nose.  Vivid raspberry jam and earthen spices with a tart finish.  Fifteen minutes in the decanter softens the acidity to reach a very nice balance.

Final Thoughts:
Just like Banknote's Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is an excellent value wine.  Well worth it's price point. ($18 US)

Tasting: 2012 Michel Schlumberger Pinot Noir

I came across this wine at a local wine shop during a wine tasting.

Within a few minutes, the acidity drops to give the wine a good balance. The floral and fruit flavors make this wine quite savory with a lasting finish. I believe this would make an excellent choice for a dinner wine with the right pairing.

Tasting: 2012 Sbragia Home Ranch Chardonnay ~ Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County

Greenish gold in color.  Pears, green apples, rubber, and a buttery oak.  Feels great in the mouth and has a medium plus body and a long finish.  This is a very good Chardonnay!  I'm glad I have another bottle of it!