This is our first tasting of a Justin Zinfandel, and most likely the last, unless a 2008 is released through the wine club. Until this evening, I had no idea that Justin’s Zin is sourced from a small plot; only 2 acres. The result is only a few hundred cases, which, after the wine club allocation, doesn’t reach far. The ‘07, at under 14% alcohol, is a bit of a Zinfandel freak show. I have no idea what the industry average is, but I rarely stumble upon a Zin that falls below 14.5%.
Understated is a word I rarely associate with Zinfandel; nor is tight, and that is exactly how this wine opened up. Soft and warm, this wine chooses to take the road less traveled, avoiding the typical black currant and plum hot spots, settling on the less common strawberry and cranberry red fruits. Interestingly the palate unfolds with an unexpected ripe satisfaction with the most subtle caramel or maple sweetness. An elusive, difficult to describe, sweet/savory combination—not unlike honey and goat cheese, for example—defines a complexity in the finish that leaves your mouth watery.
Interestingly, the most memorable characteristic of this wine is by far the most difficult to describe, an attribute easily overlooked but extraordinarily sophisticated and elegant. I love this wine, it is a proud effort by the folks at Justin.
Hard to believe that this Zin didn't originate from a cooler Northern climate.
Vibrant, dark, with a rich ruby rim (blood rim, as described by Justin).
-Rob
