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Wine Recommendation
Beauregard Vineyards
2004 Zinfandel, Zayante Vineyard(Santa Cruz Mountains)
Ryan Beauregard likes to pick the Zayante Vineyards Zin a bit riper than does Greg Nolten, owner and winemaker at Zayante Vineyards in the idyllic, but not exactly Zin-friendly, Santa Cruz Mountains. Every year Greg wonders when Ryan will finally give in and let him pick the stuff. Consequently, the wines have a slightly different profile, and each matches the winemaker’s respective personality to a T. Greg’s style is drier, a bit more tannic and more acidic; Ryan’s tends to be riper and fruitier.
However, this example really shows off the characteristics of the vineyard: it is effusive with pepper, rosemary and sage. The herbs make a nice dusting around the bright berry fruits, much like rolling chevre in fines herbes. The effusive young blackberry fruit here is a total delight, and the wine does not want for acid or tannin, despite the fact that the 2004 growing season wrapped up with an incredibly hot August which pushed ripeness levels out of control in many vineyards. You’ll even pick up some foresty hints, a touch of juniper and perhaps a bit of tarragon, on the finish. This is a great example of a medium-bodied Zin made in a food-friendly style.
(Alc: 15.6%, Retail: $35)
Reviewed April 23, 2007 by Laura Ness.
Other reviewed wines from Beauregard Vineyards
The Wine
Winery: Beauregard Vineyards |
The Reviewer
Laura Ness
A wine writer and wine judge for major publications and competitions around the country, Laura Ness likens wine to the experience of music. She is always looking for that ubiquitous marriage of rhythm, melody, and flawless execution. What is good music? You know it when you get lost in it. What is good wine? It is music in your mouth. |