Zinfandel tasting – Blind.

Zinfandel tasting – Blind. – Episode #583

November 24, 2008

Gary Vaynerchuk is sky high after a huge Jets wine and his beard is getting thicker and thicker as he tries 6 California Zinfandels BLIND right before Thanksgiving.

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Comments on this episode(231) Leave a comment ›

“Used to go to the ZAP at Fort Mason when I lived up in the Bay Area. …” by G
“Gary,
I’m just getting into wine, for I have only been able to legall…” by Brandon
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2006 Sebastiani Dry Creek ZinfandelSonoma Red Zinfandel
Coppola Diamond ZinfandelOther California Red Zinfandel
2005 Thomas Henry ZinfandelSonoma Red Zinfandel
2006 Outpost Zinfandel Howell MountainNapa Red Zinfandel
2006 Rosenblum Richard Sauret ZinfandelOther California Red Zinfandel
2006 Ravenswood Napa ZinfandelNapa Red Zinfandel

Not in this episode

2006 Neyers Zinfandel High Valley.

Links mentioned in today’s episode.

231 Responses

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November 25, 2008

Seattle Zin Guy
QOTD: I think the Rosenblum Monte Rosso 2005 is drinking exceptionally well right now. Having really enjoyed previous vintages of Frog’s Leap Zinfandel, I found the 2006 to be pretty disappointing (not the worst zin I’ve tasted recently, but the most disappointing since I expect good things from Frog’s Leap).
November 25, 2008

Jayhitek
QOTD: Neal rocked.
November 25, 2008

Shawn_944
QOTD: Bonterra’s Zin (05 i think) has a huge butterscotch finish that I loved and could drink for days upon days, Gnarlyhead 06 Zin i feel brought the thunder!

A bad zin… any white zin lol
November 25, 2008

Grant
Blind tastings are great. How about one verdejos. As for favorite tasted lately, Sobon Fiddletown Amador County. Glad to see your Jets do well. I see there are other Browns fans on the site – our team has really disappointed. Probably need at least a coaching change for next year. But we will keep up our support.
November 25, 2008

MattUD
An interesting show, nice to see you bash some wines a little more since it was blind.

Thanks for the help at the WL on Saturday!
November 25, 2008

Brad
Great show, it confirms my palate. I am not a fan of Zin, I have had one that I could drink, and that was the Neyer’s Zin, so thank you for putting it in the the list. Great wine. But pretty much every other Zin I have had sucked. They have all been too much (too jammy, too spicy, too oaky, too much).
November 25, 2008

Jason S.
QOTD: Best lately was a Papapietro-Perry (can’t recall the vintage). I don’t drink Zin that much, so I can’t recall the worst lately.
November 25, 2008

JonBLodi
QOTD: My palate definitely doesn’t do well with the fakey oak, reverse-osmosis style, where residual sugar has been added to sugarfy the fruit with Megapurple concentrate. I’m afraid you’ll find that style with many of the Cali Zins under $10.

I favor RRV and Lodi, along with a few from the Sierra Foothills and Paso.

Love Ridge, Seghesio, Copain, and Carlisle. Some past memorable Zins: 1997 Cline Bridgehead, 1999 Martinelli Giuseppe & Luisa (almost too rich and high alc.!), 1999 Hanna Bismark Ranch, 2002 Jessie’s Grove Westwind (EXCELLENT!).
November 25, 2008

novel idea
I was happy to see central coast wine make a showing.. would love you to do a blind tasting of some major central coast offerings… would be cool!
November 25, 2008

Brú
Another Favorite Zinfandel is the Alexander Valley Sin Zin.
It would be awesome if that made it into one of your reviews!

I was disappointed to see such a poor showing by Ravenswood.
I usually buy Ravenswood wines and as a general rule feel they’re
normally great wines.
November 25, 2008

MTSage
For one of my rare de-lurking posts:

Louis M Martini, Monte Rosso “Gnarly Vine” Zinfandel 2005 was something that rocked me.

Francis Coppola ‘05 Zinfandel (Diamond Red Label) was not bad, really.

Recently had a bottle of Chouinard 1997 Zinfandel, Lodi, California, “Old Vines” Mohr-Fry Ranches. 14.1% alcohol. It was wonderful, even if perhaps a year or so past prime.

Kudos, of course, to the Jets.
November 25, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD= The secret pack Zin rocked big time!! (sorry if i ruined it for anyone) I couldnt wait. Tin Barn Zin sucks
November 25, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: Haven’t been drinking that many zinfandels lately, but am very fond of Andretti Winery 2005 Zinfandel-Primitive Blend.

I’m campaigning for a Cabernet for Thanksgiving – maybe Ridge Montebello

Wow, the Jets really came through for you. Sounds like you’ll never let them go now.
November 25, 2008

JJ
A lot of wines today! I’m surprised about the results as well. Only one mediocre Zin out of 6!

Question? Why are Zins associated with turkey day?

QOTD: Four Vines Zin is pretty good and its around $11.
November 25, 2008

Dave J.
Great show! I really enjoy the blind tastings.

QOTD
Best: Hendry Zin Block 7 2005
Worst: Mia’s Playground or ZinMan
November 25, 2008

Laurie in VT
QOTD: Have had enough ‘meh’ zins that I’ve stayed away from them.

When/if I make myself some spare time, I’m going to do some research to find out why quality zin seemingly can’t be produced for under $20/bottle…
November 25, 2008

JeffC
QOTD. Worst lately, Ravenswood Vintners Blend. Best, Ridge Geiserville, or Lyton Springs.
November 25, 2008

Dane Campbell
congrats on the jets domination of a win!

QOTD: Recently i had the Chateau Montelena Zinfandel im sorry i foget the vintage, but i only paided 15 bones and it brought some serious tunder!
November 25, 2008

Herb
Gary,

FYI: QB ratings as of this week – Brett Favre 94.1 / Jeff Garcia 94.5

I…ME…Mine…Tampa Bay Bucs (8-3) – #2 seed in the NFC just behind those worthless Giants. lol

You recommended the Rosenblum 2006 Petite Shirah some time ago and it was delicious.
November 25, 2008

alisha
QOTD: Two recent faves are Layer Cake Primitivo ‘06 and Earthquake Zin from Lodi.
November 25, 2008

Babs
Gary, Great (as always) and VERY interesting show – Rosenblum usually receives pretty good marks for their Zins. My fave Zin currently is Ridge (Dry Creek). Also, would be most curious to see you do a blindtasting of Lodi Zins to see if they fare any better. If you get a chance, I’d also be curious about your review of a new garage Zin called SideJob. Experienced it at a “new award winners” tasting this past Summer, liked it, bought some.

Ribeye Steak and peppery zin – one of God’s greatest pairings.
November 25, 2008

Vinovanwilt
Qotd The Zin that rocked my world was my familys home made Brown Dog 2 1998 Zin. The Zin that let me down was believe it or not the Neyers it was good but not as great as Gary said. I’m trying the Murrietas Well 2006 Zin on Thanksgiving.
November 25, 2008

Scott EJ
Tough show, G. Every wine/varietal needs a good asswhooping from time to time.

QOTD: I don’t remember the worst Zin I’ve had as they’ve all been pretty solid lately. Personal faves that don’t break the bank: Edmeades, Peterson, and V Sattui.
November 25, 2008

Bill Field
On the bargain end, I think Cline’s Zinfandel California (under $10) delivers more than you’d expect. Keeping it under $20, I’d say Trentadue, Cline’s Ancient Vine, Dry Creek, and Opolo’s Summit Creek do the job. If I want to spend more money, I like Frank Nerelli’s ZinAlley 06 Zin.
November 25, 2008

Greg Z
Absolutely awesome show. The very reason blind tastings with Gary are what the industry needs. I hate the word industry when discussing wine. It takes bigs ….. to stand up and do what is not simple to accomplish. The right thing is seldom easy. This is the only way to let those that care know that change needs to take place. Short term fakes can only fool the ignorant. Long term fakes combined with good communication will kill the those winemakers that don’t care to be real. I have loved almost everything that comes from Howell Mountain vinyards. Over oaked is over oaked. This is why Gary’s cander is truely appreciated. Once again, the vital reason that blind tastings are the way to go. The only mistake you made Gary, was showing a little embarressment for being honest in regard to a big name. Keep up the high level of integrity Gary.