Bought in Michigan for twelve bucks and change. 15% alc./vol. Compressed-particle, natural-cork closure.
Fiercely disjointed at first, it came together nicely with a couple of hours of aeration in the open bottle. Slightly hazy garnet, with a brick-garnet hue at the meniscus. Thick, slow-forming tears. Exuberant juicy-berry fruit with a dusty hint. Pleasant oak spice in the background. Big, warm, almost sweet texture on the entry; plenty of largesse on the palate. Very ripe and big - just what Zin seems to do best. Palpably sweet on the mid-palate too; dusty/grainy tannins, lots of warmth in the finish, though after decanting it was a pleasant warmth (upon first opening, it was a harsh, alcoholic heat). Pleasant spicy-oak finish.
A very good wine to serve with beefsteak. It did go well with the spicy beef goulash all the same, and it was a very good buy.
