This VINTJS ("vintages") 2012 Zinfandel comes from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County which lies northwest of Healdsburg - the area is home to popular Zin producers such as Rafanelli, Ridge Lytton Springs, and Quivira. For some reason I just don't find myself stocking the house with much Zinfandel, but when I drink a good one, I usually enjoy it. And past VINTJS labels have brought very pleasant results - so combine the pretty purple label, $8 price point, and a prolific Sonoma AVA for Zin - I was sold. This one made the Fearless Flyer a couple months back as well. The first sip (OK gulp) I got a bit of a tart taste and wasn't really getting the fruit at all. I let it sit in the glass for about 15 minutes before going back to it and the fruit started to peek its head out a bit more, but I wouldn't call the fruit pronounced by any means. Getting some cherry, blackberry, and pepper. At 13.9% alcohol I wasn't expecting anything overly jammy - but thought I'd get a bit more fruit than I did. Lively acidity and mellow tannins. I actually let it sit in the bottle another day and actually preferred it on day #2 - but just not enjoying this wine like I hoped I would. VERDICT: (sadly) my first and last bottle.
