Cline, 2008 Ancient Vines Zinfandel

When I tell people that Zinfandel is my favorite varietal, southern housewives seem to second my opinion. Unfortunately, I'm not talking about the pink stuff from the folks down at Sutter Home. No, I'm thinking about something bold, peppery, with a strong alcohol flavor, balanced with a slight fruit note.

That said, just as some people look good on paper, but then just don't produce, so too goes this wine. It comes from a reputable vineyard, with several wines rating 90+ from the more established wine reviewers. It's marketed as "ancient vine," which usually makes me think it will be especially peppery and bold. Maybe 2008 was too wet, and didn't stress the wine sufficiently (unstressed grapes make great jam, but not so much great wine).

This wine wasn't good. It starts off with blackberry, and maybe a bit of plum and a little bit of earthiness, and finishes with... honey? Now, to be fair, it wasn't as sweet as honey, but there was rarely even a note of pepper, and the alcohol was hidden behind the fruit-forward taste. I am disappointed with this wine. I may come back to Cline, but not for this one.

Overall Rating: Fair