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Wine Recommendation
Ironstone Vineyards
2004 Zinfandel "Old Vine" Reserve(Lodi)
John Kautz, formerly a row crop farmer in Lodi who wisely invested in vineyard land there as well as in the Sierra Foothills, owns and operates Ironstone Vineyards along with his wife Gail and their four children. Steve Millier is winemaker. The winery produces California appellation wines and a Reserve line under the Ironstone label, including Bordeaux and Rhone varietals as well as Chardonnay, and a wine from the Symphony grape, Obsession.
The family also owns the Sonoma Creek brand, and recently launched Dog Tail, a range of vintage and non-vintage California appellation varietals and blends.
Bright ruby red with magenta highlights, this rich old vine Zinfandel is very viscous in the glass. Top notes of brambleberry, blackberry jam, braised beef, bacon, Asian Five Spice, and menthol are balanced with subtle undercurrents of barnyard funk. Full bodied and richly fruity with bright notes of cherry and raspberry on the palate, juicy acidity counteracts richness and encourages another sip. Oak tannins are supple and well-integrated. The finish is luscious with vanilla and berry notes. Enjoy with empanadas, coffee-bean coated rib eyes, baby back ribs, or crispy duck.
Reviewed January 31, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.
Other reviewed wines from Ironstone Vineyards
The Wine
Winery: Ironstone Vineyards |
The Reviewer
Catherine Fallis
Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth. |