2007 Tofanelli Family Vineyards Zinfandel (Napa Valley)

Source: La Costa


Consumption Date: 1/9/2012

Notes: Mild aroma of dry, sun-baked earth with some rich, ripe blackberry and a mild hint of dry leaves.  Mild, dry woody notes evolves rapidly into intense, ripe, almost jammy blackberry with chocolate overtones, framed with a subtle dry spiciness and leafiness.  Finishes with more spicy, herbaceousness, chocolate, and dry leaves, with an especially long ripe fruit note.  Mild to moderate tannin.

This wine is interesting to me as it has a flavor profile that is probably considered quintessential California Zinfandel, yet is a bit different from the typical Zin profile that I am accustomed to.  This wine emphasizes fruit with only subtle hints of typical Zin leafiness, spiciness, and other secondary flavors (e.g., chocolate) which are not always present in Zins (but are proving to be quite enjoyable) and without what I consider to be a characteristic brambly flavor.  However, this wine has surprising complexity and also has a surprisingly long fruity finish.  In addition, while being dramatically fruity, it also presents an unexpected silkiness and elegance.  Good value.