Cool show, the first one I’m watching (& replying to) on my new iPhone!
Can’t answer the QOTD- don’t have my list to hand, but will try and open
a Zin this weekend.

QOTD Not much zin exposure (only had 3 or 4 in the last 10 years…) but a 1996 Ridge Geyserville opened two years ago was very fine indeed. That prompted me to hold on to my 1999 Lytton Springs until now (I’ll probably open it within the next year).

Bring on Spanish blind tastings.

Had Norman Monster Zinfandel the other day.

Sorry, you had trouble with California Kool-aid! It’s a minefield.
Recently had Campus Oaks Old Vines, 25.00 which was very red fruit forward, but had a nice mid palate and finish, liked it a lot. The last one I really liked was Girard 2006, Old Vines, Napa Valley. It was old school, rich cassis, plummy, a little poop de poop, around 22.00, but worth it. My investigation has just begun, and I’m a little choosy, so I haven’t landed a stink bomb yet.

Man… I was in Santa Rosa last summer… Rosenblumn has a great tasting room for $5…. Yum.

I use to LOVE Roshambo, but they have gone a bit lame…

I love Armida… across the street on Dry Creek.. GO & Buy & taste for Free.

Gary,
Excellent show. Too bad you didn’t find more good ones.
I started with Zins, and have tried a lot of wines…it
took me quite a while to get to like Cabs, but I’ve tried
a lot of red varietals. Still don’t like old-world wines,
and usually stick with CA, Australia, Chile, Argentina and
S. Africa. My fav. Zin is Michael-David Earthquake because
it’s got that solid broad base, like a decent Cab, and a
finish that just won’t quit. I can’t lie, I like Zins so
much that I will even drink Gnarly Head and enjoy it.

what’s the connection between zins and thanksgiving? I never heard of one. would love to know the reactions from these wineries if they contact you, gary!

After hearing your “best smelling fart in the room” comment, Cathy came in from outside and asked “what’s so funny”. I screamed for a full minute and she heard me outside. Tee hee.

Don’t forget WA zins. There was a vineyard planted on the Columbia River between WA and OR 100 years ago. Sinean makes a couple, never had them. Try Barnard Griffin and Maryhill. I’ve had them in the past and loved them.

Best zin from my perspective, D3 (D cubed) from Napa Valley. Small producer whose wine can be had from the Collective in Napa. Have had various of his wines on trips to Oregon and California from home in BC. Can’t get it here.

Friend of my brought a Cline “old vines” to a party, not very good. It lacked depth. I bought some Seghesio 07 before watching this show and I’m glad to see the name pop up, positively, in the comments.

Tried my first Zin – 2006 Beringer Vineyards Zinfandel California Collection.
I really hope this is a poor example of that grape. Just didn’t get it at all.

I checked Beringer’s website and this is how they pass it off:

“The wine has a youthful exuberance that is appealing to anyone looking for an uncomplicated wine to accompany a meal.”

The state of the union of CA zins makes me cry. Zins are among my favorite guys out there but tough to find quality under 25 clams.

QOTD—DANGEROUSLY close to writing in all caps
Hendry Block 28 ’05
Seghesio Sonoma ’07 (yeah yeah i know)
Four Vines Biker ’06
Ridge Three Valleys. ’06 i think.

Liked: Black Sears Howell Mountain, Frank Family 2002, J Zin 2002,Bella,

GREATLY disliked: Gnarly Head, Ravenswood Old Vine, Bogle Old Vine

Wow GV – rough show!
QOTD – My favorite Zins – Robert Biale Black Chicken, Elyse Howell Mountain
My least favorite Zins – Cline, 7 Deadly Zins

Tannat rivals Petite Sirah as the worst grape on the planet. They both are almost undrinkable. I love exploring new wines, but once in a while you strike out.

I’ve tried more than one of each (7 or 8 PS) and each time wonder why I made such a poor decision.

Gary, if you haven’t already, you should try a Nalle zin from the Dry Creek Valley. Under 14% alcohol, subtle, beautiful.

Otherwise, more in the bruiser category, I really like Mazzocco and Wild Hog zins.

Great blind show Gary even if the wines sucked. Love the format at least once a week.

I drink a lot of zin and have so many favorites: Black Chicken, Turley Pesenti and Ueberroth, Carlisle anything. But my favorite over the past few years has probably been the 2004 Lamborn Family Zin. At $30, probably the cheapest Heidi Barrett wine you can buy. Great stuff.

Worst zin consistently has to be 7 Deadly Zins. I don’t know how people drink that stuff. It has actually turned me off to the entire Lodi area (except maybe for the Old Ghost).

Gary:

Dude! You always crack me up. Never been a fan of Zin!

Many many Ridges but for value the older Ravenswood Teldeschi and Dickinson ranch before they were bought out. Their quality sank like a rock after the buyout in 2004 I believe.

Since I don’t know how to get GV to do a shout out for me I will do my own. Our first grandchild Eleanor Charlotte was just born and we are proud grandparents and look forward to putting away a wine per year for the next 21 years for her to taste when she is of age.

QOTD: I had a Seghesio recently that was reviewed very well that didn’t do a thing for me. I’m not sure I’ve had one lately that rocked my world.

QOTD: Peachy Canyon Incredible Red ’03, awesome.

Haven’t had many Zinfandels…
eh… BOOBS!! : P
(Well ya gotta say something for the QOTD!)

Ah, too bad there were no stellar Zins in the show. Yeah, great job calling the price points. And your tasting notes are spot on, I’m sure! I will keep those in mind when looking at Zins in my LWS’s.
QOTD: Well, I have enjoyed the Zins from Four Vines. Bad Zin, hmmmm. Can’t think of any at the mo.