WTN: '99 Cedarville Zinfandel

[Mike Filigenzi]

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

[Bob Ross]

Mike,

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

Regards, Bob

[Mike Filigenzi]

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

[Bob Ross]

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