I’ll bet you’re wondering where I’ve been? Sorry to be away for so long, but this is how my last few posts will go. After this one, I have three more left (I think). So, each will probably come a month or so apart. For my LAST Wine of the Month, I wanted to do an often overlooked, but interesting varietal, the California Zinfandel. In this case, Seghesio’s ZInfandel (2022). According to the Oxford Companion to Wine (OCtW), it’s “native (to) Croatia as both Tribidrag & Crljenak Kastelanski and in Puglia (Italy) as Primitivo. Although “the viniculture ‘pioneer’ Agoston Haraszthy was credited with introducing this important variety to California from his native Hungary” (OCtW), it more likely came to California with the many European ‘Gold Rush‘ miners, who turned to agriculture to survive.
This bottle, I got from the Saratoga Wine Exchange, because it was Wine Spectator’s (WS) #1 Value Wine for 2024 (rated a 93). Clinton Wine & Spirits does carry many decent California Zinfandels, but I wanted this particular one, and it did not disappoint. At around $20.00, it’s well within Billy’s price range. Saratoga currently shows that they are out of stock, there’s usually a run on WS’s top value wines right after the issue comes out; but I’m sure they’ll have more soon. The Zinfandel is actually the darkest grape; but not the strongest, most ‘muscular’ wine. That distinction belongs to the Napa Cab. Sauv., in my opinion. While having some characteristics in common with the Cab. Sauv./ Merlot grape (which I will discuss below), the Zinfandel is a much mellower, brighter wine without being too ‘fruity’. It’s not a Cab. Sauv, or a Merlot; nor is it used in blends. It’s its own distinct wine, worthy of a try, especially if you’ve never had one.
As far as tasting notes goes, both mine and theirs, the California Zinfandel is a garnet to purple wine with high viscosity. You will get plum, blackberry, raspberry, and possibly licorice on the nose. From the oak, you will get vanilla, cedar, and espresso or mocha. It is a medium to low acid wine, with full body, and medium tannins. It has a medium finish with moderate complexity. Overall, it’s a mellow wine with a bright finish. It pairs well with grilled, roasted, or braised meats, especially barbecue ribs, steak, and lamb, as well as tomato-based dishes and spicy foods. It also goes well with meaty pasta dishes and rich/ hard cheeses like aged cheddar, blue cheese, and gouda. The best California Zin.s come from the Russian River or Alexander Valleys, also Sonoma and Pasa Robles do well. Be careful with the 2020’s, especially from Napa (smoke taint). Otherwise, 2019 was the best and 2021-22 were very good years. According to the WS, some of the best wineries for California Zin.s are Bedrock, Carlisle, Ridge, and Turley. Of course, don’t forget to try the Seghesio (2022), you’ll be glad you did.
That should take care of this one. For my next Post, which you will see in about a month or so, I will start a NEW (and final) three part series on places to go, that I call Education -Travel. Be sure to check it out, especially if you are interested in advise on visiting specific wineries. Cheers!