Community Tasting Note

John Dunlap Likes this wine:

Monday, March 14, 2022 - Such a beautiful Zinfandel, now 15 years-old. Amazing. This is my last '07 from this producer and vineyard; what a great ride. Enjoyed every single bottle since release.

Wine stored in a cool cellar since purchase from the winery. Bottle resting upright for several months prior to opening. Excellent ullage. Decanted with a large amount of sediment clinging to the interior of the bottle - which is always a good sign.

Excellent red color with wonderfully bright deep red hues. The color is very alive. No tawniness whatsoever.

An abundance of rich mulberry, dark cherry and plum on the nose and palate. Also, secondary notes of apricot skin? and watermelon, plus touches of licorice, and perhaps wood spice are found in this wine. This wine is so rich and fully integrated; yet, there is something darkly vibrant - that I can't quite capture - swirling in the glass. Dark florals? Whatever it is, it keeps this wine wine alive and memorable.

Planted in 1934, the Papera Vineyard is an excellent example of old vine Sonoma Zinfandel. At this point, this vintage reminds me somewhat of older vintages of BdM or Chianti Riserva, though Papera produces richer mulberry flavors rather than dry cherry/leather elements.

Probably my all-time favorite Zinfandel vintage so far. Maybe '12 or '16 will fill the void. Who knows.

(Served with pasta and homemade sauce.)

Post a Comment / View John Dunlap's profile
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue (802 views)