Blueberry Zin Happiness

While dining this weekend in San Diego with friends, Joe Plonk selected the wine both nights. The first night selections were the 2005 Markham Merlot ($49, to which the waiter dutifully but unconvincingly said to me “excellent selection sir”) followed by the 2003 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon ($100, to which the waiter whispered to the guy pouring water “this is a great wine”). The Markham Merlot was a nice, although somewhat understated, match for appetizers and salad. The Spring Mountain was a massive dose of chocolate, cherries, strawberry, earth, and leather – brilliant Napa cabernet that caused me to consider disappearing with the bottle and a straw.

However, the real star of the weekend was the 2006 Napa Valley Zinfanel from Frank Family Vineyards ($46) that we enjoyed the second night. It’s not a typical zinfandel. It’s better. It had a big, bold mouthful of blueberry happiness followed by a complex layer of pepper, spices and blackberry. Both novice and expert wine lovers at the table agreed that this wine by far exceeded our expectations, and we quickly ordered a second bottle.

Winemaker's notes from the web site say: Frank Family Vineyards’ 2006 Napa Valley Zinfandel is dark and rich in color, reminiscent of violets. This classic Zinfandel leads with sweet blackberry jam, white and black pepper and clove spice. Further opulence emerges as layers of black cherry, blueberry and Asian spice are exposed. The palate is big, bold and ripe with juicy brambleberry and warm plum pudding, supported by integrated tannin and spice, giving a full mid palate and setting the stage for the long supple finish. 15 months maturation in 35% New French Oak and 65% once and twice filled French Oak Barrels. 92% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah.

Two thumbs up!

Best, Joe Plonk

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