WineLovers Discussion Group

1999 Cedarville Zinfandel, 14.4% alcohol

Deep reddish-purple color. Nice nose of spice, berries, dark fruit. A little of the ripe fruit character that one would expect with a 14%+ zin, but not a one-note wine by any means. In the mouth, there's an initial spicy-brambly character with the dark berry fruit showing in the mid-palate. Perhaps a touch lacking in acidity but brought into balance with silky tannins that help make for a long finish. The alcohol shows a bit when it hits the stomach, but the wine does not taste at all hot. There's a smooth, light quality on the palate that makes you want to take another sip.

Cedarville's zins have always managed to give a sense of balance and elegance. This one has aged well and only reinforces that reputation.

Mike

Mike,

Did you think this zin got better over time, or just held its own?

Regards, Bob

I'd say it either improved some or held its own very well. It might be a pretty subjective call on this one. I always thought it to be a very well-balanced and elegant wine for a foothill zin (or any zin, for that matter), but this bottle seemed to have been a little more so than previous ones.

Mike

Thanks, Mike. I enjoyed a line up of Cedarville at a tasting in San Francisco a few years ago. It ws nice to read about it again. REgards, Bob