This is one of the few zinfandel's that I have tried and admittedly I had stuck to Gnarly Head's Old Vine Zin or Seven Deadly Zins. So this, for me, was a branching out experience and I was thrilled to try something new with a varietal I had so little knowledge about. This 2013 Zinfandel was high in alcohol - 14.6% ABV - but with a lot of fruit and complex taste. It did not leave me feeling full or heavy. I was so impressed by this Zin that it gave me a new option in a summer wine to sip and enjoy. Paso Creek is part of the beverage mega brand known as Constellation Brands (also known for Ballast Point Brewing, Kim Crawford wines, and Black Box wines), amongst many others. The winery is located in Paso Robles, which is located the Central Coast region of California to the south of San Jose and the west of Bakersfield (see map below.) According to their wine country website, the Paso Robles region consists of 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. The Inland Valleys - where Paso Robles is located - is a drier climate area, according to Wine Folly. These drier, warmer climates contribute to the flavor, adding notes of blackberry and a smoked, jammy taste. I, per usual, opened the bottle and poured a glass into my Crate & Barrel "hip" red wine glass (literally, that's the name of the collection the glass is from.) But, the smell really represents the taste of the Zin: light and strong fruit; a pleasant summer smell. With this Zin, I could smell red fruits mostly, specifically strawberry and raspberry.
The front end of the Paso Creek Zin is strong with those red fruits, but also a jam taste, which gives it such a large body, yet keeps it light. Coupled with the red fruit, I tasted some blackberry and plum. The mix of these two fruits give this 2013 vintage a complex, deep body. On the finish, there is a taste of tobacco and milk chocolate - without leaving the mouth dry. That is what got my hooked on this wine: the big fruity, jam flavored with a smooth, delicious finish. I finished the bottle the next day, and the earth/mineral flavors were accented even more. I was extremely impressed with this vintage and region in particular. It may have become one of my top 3 varietals of wine. It combines a jammy fruit flavor with some earthy tones without the heavy taste. Since trying this wine, I have purchased a few more bottles of Zin hoping that they will affirm my impression. Specs: ABV: 14.6% Varietal: Zinfandel Region: California, Central Coast, USA Bottle size: 750ml Pairings: Turkey, lamb, roasted tomato, ginger
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Author20 something living in Beer City USA with an affinity for wine. Other hobbies include photography, reading, and playing my pup. Archives
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