Zin Tax

Last night, we tasted ten more wines -- eight Zinfandels, a Pinot Noir, and a Riesling icewine. Based on this tasting, I'd have to say that Zinfandel is not a varietal that I can really say I like. Of the eight Zins we tasted, only two stepped forward as interesting, and I really would only actively choose one. At the end of the evening, I opened the King Pinot Noir and decided that I'd Pinot Noir over Zin on a typical day.

Good

  • King Estate Pinot Noir 2000
  • Thurston Wolfe Washington Zinfandel 2002
  • Rosenblum San Francisco Bay Zinfandel Carla’s Vineyards 2002
  • Iniskillin Riesling Icewine 1998

Less Good

  • Cline Live Oak 2000 (I actually poured this down the drain -- maybe it was corked)
  • Murphy-Goode Liar’s Dice Zinfandel 2002
  • Rosenblum Vintners Cuvee XXVI (nice, but not as nice as the other Rosenblum)
  • Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Zinfandel 2001
  • Sausal Alexander Valley Private Reserve Zinfandel 2001
  • Ravenswood Sonoma County Old Vine Zinfandel 2001 (this one was a strong loser)