2003 Hartford Zinfandel 'High Wire Vineyard' (Russian River Valley)

Source: Sherry-Lehmann

Consumption Date: 6/13/2013

Notes: Intense aroma of leafy undergrowth with some jammy dark berries and distinct penetrating alcohol and tar notes.  Full-flavored with loads of dry leaves and wood, jammy raisin and dark berry fruit, and a hint of tar.  Finishes long with more dry wood, leaves, and cedar spice.  Lots of chewy, almost (but not quite) bitter tannin.

This is pretty much what I expect from a high quality California Zinfandel.  While a little more fruit (which might have been present if drunk younger) would have been ideal, this has plenty of Zin character and intensity.  Not super complex, but decent for the price point.  Definitely a step up from the Mayo Zin I had recently.

Value: Good

2008 Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio (Collio)

Source: Zachys

Consumption Date: 6/9/2013

Notes: Mild aroma of fruit (lemon and pears), flowers, and a hint of forest.  Surprisingly full-bodied with rich, round, ripe fruit (more lemon, pear, and apple) with a tantalizing hint of forest and an understated mineral acidity.  Finishes fairly long with more fruit, mineral acidity, and a suggestion of nuttiness (without bitterness).

This is a good example of what a pleasant, everyday white wine should offer.  It is rich and surprisingly full bodied with enough complexity to be interesting, yet at an attractive price point.  The suggestion of forest reminds me somewhat of Sylvaner.  As a result, this wine suggests France (and Alsace) to me, perhaps more so than Italy.  It will be interesting to try a few more Italian Pinot Grigios to see if this wine is typical or exceptional (although the Wine Spectator Top 100 selection suggests more of the latter).

Value: Very good