- > ZAP 2011 20th Annual Grand Tasting
ZAP 2011 20th Annual Grand Tasting
San Francisco, Fort Mason
Tasted Saturday, January 29, 2011 - Monday, January 31, 2011 by bambam with 1,685 views
Introduction
OK, I finally gave in and I am going to post tasting notes from a tasting event. This is about my 4th ZAP event in the last 7 years. This event gets bigger and crazier every year. If I was not able to get trade tickets I would not go. The regular crowd is just too large for me. Spending 5 minutes to elbow your way through six rows of people to taste one wine is not what I call a fun outing. That being said, this is a great event to taste just about every Zin on the market in one place. Since one of my best friends is a big Zin fan this event is a must if we can find the time. Spitting is a must if you want to taste a lot. I don't enjoy it but in a tasting this large it is a must if you plan on walking out of the place. Please bring a designated driver or take a taxi to this event!
My first impression about this year is that the overall quality has improved and the big over the top hot zins are a thing of the past. I'm not sure if this is a stylistic shift or just a vintage characteristic. Either way, this is a positive thing. I have noticed a trend towards sweeter blends. I detected what I believe is residual sugar in many wines. I hope this does not get worse.
One interesting thing I find about Zinfandel is that price has almost no bearing on quality compared to almost any other red wine. Tasting is essential with this varietal to find the style you prefer. Do not be swayed by price. It means almost nothing with Zin.
My notes are brief so please take them with a grain of salt. They are more to give people an idea of what I liked more than give an "authentic" score. I have struggled with this concept but I think getting my impressions out there is more valuable to people than worrying if every score is done perfect. Enjoy.
Flight 1 - Herbst Pavillion (11 Notes)
Wineries A-G
Flight 2 - Festival Pavillion (56 Notes)
Wineries H-Z. This is where most of the wineries are located and a great place to start if you ever attend this event.
2009 Hartford / Hartford Court Zinfandel Old Vine Russian River Valley 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/29/2011)
A bit of a let down. I have enjoyed this in the past but the '09s are not working for me.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Hartford / Hartford Court Old Vine Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard 86 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/29/2011)
This is usually my favorite of thier lineup but for 2009 it is my least favorite. Nice nose but drying tannins and short finish leave me wanting more.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Hartford / Hartford Court Zinfandel Jolene's Vineyard 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/29/2011)
Along with the Highwire this was not a great showing today.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Macchia Zinfandel Outrageous Old Vine Noma Ranch 91 Points
USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi
(1/29/2011)
This was on a roll today and I enjoyed it.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Macchia Zinfandel Oblivious Old Vine 86 Points
USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi
(1/29/2011)
This was dry and tannic today and did not work for me.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Macchia Zinfandel Prestigious The Original Grandpere Vineyard 87 Points
USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County
(1/29/2011)
This did not excite me.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Matrix Zinfandel Reserve Alegria 88 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
(1/29/2011)
Full bodied style. Solid.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Matrix Zinfandel Boschetti 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/29/2011)
I enjoyed the Alegria more.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Matrix Zinfandel Reserve Boschetti 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/29/2011)
The reserve is no better than the regular bottle. I would choose the Alegria over this.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Mazzocco Zinfandel Maple Vineyard 88 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
(1/29/2011)
Solid zin.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Mazzocco Zinfandel Smith Orchard Reserve 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
(1/29/2011)
No notes other than this was my least favorite of thier line up.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Michael-David Vineyards Zinfandel Earthquake 83 Points
USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi
(1/29/2011)
This is way too sweet. Pass
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Michael-David Vineyards Zinfandel 7 Deadly Zins 84 Points
USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi
(1/29/2011)
Too sweet. Pass
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Michael-David Vineyards Zinfandel Lust 85 Points
USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi
(1/29/2011)
All of thier '08s are too sweet for me. Pass.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain 86 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
(1/29/2011)
I have been a fan of this wine in the past but this vintage was a let down.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Murphy-Goode Zinfandel Liar's Dice 88 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County
(1/30/2011)
Sweeter than year's past.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Murphy-Goode Zinfandel Snake Eyes 89 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley
(1/30/2011)
Sweet jammy fruit. A little too sweet for me to rate this higher.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Peachy Canyon Zinfandel The Vortex 88 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
(1/30/2011)
Solid but nothing special.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Peachy Canyon Zinfandel Especial 89 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
(1/30/2011)
The best of the line up. Nice fruit with some pepper.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Peachy Canyon Zinfandel Mustang Springs 87 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
(1/30/2011)
No notes but one of the weaker ones in the line up today.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2006 Ottimino Zinfandel Von Weidlich 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/30/2011)
No notes on this one. The whole Ottimino lineup did not wow me.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Ottimino Zinfandel Rancho Bello 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/30/2011)
Again not a wow wine.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Ottimino Zinfandel Zinfinity 89 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County
(1/30/2011)
Even though this is thier lower end botting, this was the best of the lineup today.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Ridge Geyserville 92 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County
(1/30/2011)
This was one of the best wines at ZAP this year for me. Almost the whole '09 Ridge lineup was impressive.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Ridge Zinfandel Pagani Ranch 92 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
(1/30/2011)
One of my favorites of the Ridge lineup and ZAP.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Ridge Zinfandel Paso Robles 85 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
(1/30/2011)
This was the only Ridge wine of the day I did not like. There were some off flavors that did not show well.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Rombauer Vineyards Zinfandel Napa Valley 85 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(1/30/2011)
This was way too sweet for me.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel Rockpile Road Vineyard 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Rockpile
(1/30/2011)
Jammy but too sweet for me.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel Harris Kratka Vineyard 88 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley
(1/30/2011)
This was jammy and a touch on the sweet side.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Scott Harvey Zinfandel Old Vine Reserve 92 Points
USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County
(1/30/2011)
The whole Scott Harvey lineup showed well at ZAP. I like the balanced, restrained but powerful style on all thier wines.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Scott Harvey Zinfandel Vineyard 1869 92 Points
USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County
(1/31/2011)
A very nice zin with good balance and everything in the right amount.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Selby Zinfandel Old Vines 89 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
(1/31/2011)
No notes but I liked this better than most at ZAP.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Selby Zinfandel Bobcat 85 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County
(1/31/2011)
This wine just did not work for me.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 St. Francis Zinfandel Old Vines Pagani Vineyard 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
(1/31/2011)
I liked this the best of the St. Francis Zins but not a big hit.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 St. Francis Zinfandel Old Vines Sonoma County 86 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County
(1/31/2011)
Not one of my favorite St. Francis Zins.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 St. Francis Zinfandel Montecillo Vineyard Kaarin's Terrace 86 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/31/2011)
Not a big hit for me.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2005 Storrs Zinfandel Lion Oaks Vineyard 88 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Clara Valley
(1/31/2011)
This was one of the drier Lions that I can remember and not my favorite but still ok.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2006 Storrs Zinfandel Rusty Ridge 88 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Clara Valley
(1/31/2011)
This was sweeter and fuller than the '05 Lions but not as sweet as the '07 central coast.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Storrs Zinfandel 88 Points
USA, California, Central Coast
(1/31/2011)
The sweetest of the Storrs lineup at ZAP. All were good but not as good as I remember. Look for older vintages.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Storybook Mountain Vineyards Zinfandel Mayacamas Range 88 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(1/31/2011)
Storybook has always been a lighter style zin to me and this vintage was no different. Good but not a wow wine.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Talty Winery Zinfandel Estate William Talty Vineyards 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
(1/31/2011)
Others here have been more impressed with this wine than I was. Of all the zins I tasted this year, this did not wow me.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Talty Winery Zinfandel Filice Connolly Vineyards 86 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(1/31/2011)
I enjoyed this less than the '07 estate.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 The Terraces Zinfandel 88 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(1/31/2011)
A nice drier styled zin.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 The Terraces Zinfandel 89 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(1/31/2011)
I enjoyed this more than the '07. This wine is always a more restrained style.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Tres Sabores Zinfandel Rutherford Estate 89 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford
(1/31/2011)
I have enjoyed the Tres Sabores wines in the past and this is no exception. A reliable zin.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Tres Sabores ¿Por qué no? 89 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(1/31/2011)
A fun blend.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Valdez Family Winery Zinfandel Lancel Creek Vineyard 91 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/31/2011)
The whole Valdez family lineup was impressive. A restrained style but with great balance.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Valdez Family Winery Zinfandel Landy Vineyard 91 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/31/2011)
Another gret zin from Valdez Family.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Valdez Family Winery Zinfandel Botticelli Vineyard 91 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Rockpile
(1/31/2011)
All thier zins show great balance and this is no exception.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Wilson Winery Zinfandel Estate Carl's Vineyard 88 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
(1/31/2011)
No notes other than I liked the Molly's reserve better.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Wilson Winery Zinfandel Reserve Molly's Vineyard 91 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
(1/31/2011)
No notes other than I enjoyed this.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 XYZin Zinfandel Vine Age Series 10 85 Points
USA, California
(1/31/2011)
No notes other than the whole "year old" lineup was not impressive. Seems like too much marketing and too little winemaking.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 XYZin Zinfandel 100 Dry Creek Valley 85 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
(1/31/2011)
I was more impressed by the "50" but none of them were that impressive.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 XYZin Zinfandel 50 Russian River Valley 86 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/31/2011)
The best of the lineup but not impressive.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 V. Sattui Winery Old Vine Zinfandel Ramazzotti Vineyard 88 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
(1/31/2011)
This was the best of thier lineup at ZAP but I was not as impressed as some others here.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 V. Sattui Winery Zinfandel Crow Ridge Vineyard 87 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
(1/31/2011)
I enjoyed the Ramazzotti more than this.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
-
Where to Buy
-
100% Like It 1
-
What do you think?
I like it I don't like it
-
What do you think?
- My Cellar 0
- Tasting Notes 5
- Pro Reviews 0
- My Wish List 0
- My Private Notes 0
-
Community Holdings 64
- Pending Delivery (2%) 1
- In Cellars (36%) 23
- Consumed (63%) 40
- Top Stores
© 2003-24 CellarTracker! LLC. All rights reserved. "CellarTracker!" is a trademark of CellarTracker! LLC. No part of this website may be used, reproduced or distributed without the prior written permission of CellarTracker! LLC.
2008 B.R. Cohn Zinfandel 88 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
(1/29/2011)
Balanced sweet fruit. I liked this better than the '08 Olive Hill Estate.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 B.R. Cohn Zinfandel Olive Hill Estate Vineyards 86 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
(1/29/2011)
Dry and more tannic than the regular bottling.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Charter Oak Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard 89 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
(1/29/2011)
Balanced fruit. A little more brambly than the others at ZAP but nice. This and the mind artist were my favorites at this table today.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Charter Oak Zinfandel The Zinfandel Mind 89 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(1/29/2011)
I liked this. A little on the sweet jammy side but not over the top.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Charter Oak Zinfandel Napa Valley 88 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(1/29/2011)
Of the 3 Charter Oak wines tasted today this one lacked a little something. Still nice.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 D-Cubed Zinfandel Napa Valley 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
(1/29/2011)
This was a bigger style zin today but not over the top or hot. I liked it.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 D-Cubed Zinfandel Korte Ranch 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
(1/29/2011)
Along with the Napa Valley this was a big enjoyable wine.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 D-Cubed Zinfandel Howell Mountain 86 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
(1/29/2011)
This was a disapointment compared to the other two '07 in the line up today. It seems like it is hard to fully ripen Zin on Howell Mountain. I often find green notes in zins from this AVA. This is one of those wines.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Grey Wolf Cellars Big Bad Wolf 85 Points
USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
(1/29/2011)
Too sweet, pass.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Gregory Graham Zinfandel Crimson Hill Vineyard 87 Points
USA, California, North Coast, Red Hills Lake County
(1/29/2011)
Solid but not a stand out.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Folie à Deux Zinfandel 88 Points
USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County
(1/31/2011)
Nice solid balanced zin. On the lighter side but solid.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue