Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Rosenblum Cellars Del Barba Vineyard Zinfandel Contra Costa County 2019
Product Story
Del Barba Ranch in Contra Costa County has a remarkable 12-acre block of Carignane, Mataro Carignane, Mataro, Petite Sirah, and, of course, Zinfandel that dates back to the late nineteenth century. Contra Costa County is just under an hour east of San Francisco and south of Napa. Vines have thrived here for decades, if not centuries, as the dry, sandy soil is naturally resistant to phylloxera, a vine louse that has plagued much of the wine world. The Zinfandel vines at Del Barba Ranch are head-trained (aka goblet-trained). This system of vine training dates back to before the Roman Empire. It features a short and often thick trunk with a few permanent arms that grow additional spurs in season. In the moonlight, old head-trained vineyards look like something out of a Tim Burton movie. The fruit from this vineyard is dense, dark, and bold. This wine shares those qualities while being ideally balanced and complex.
Brand Story
Rosenblum Cellars, the famed and respected winery founded by Kent Rosenblum, continues to produce distinctive and hedonistic wines. Kent started making wines as a hobby in his basement in 1972, but it wasn’t long before his remarkable talents were noticed, and Rosenblum Cellars was launched in Alameda, California, in 1978. He earned a reputation as “The King of Zin” for his expressive wines that were true to their vineyards and terroirs. Kent celebrated the vineyards he partnered with by placing the vineyard’s name on the bottle. Sadly, Kent passed away in 2018, but his namesake winery lives on now, entrusted to the capable Charlie Tsegeleto to continue the original mission. We love the great single vineyard expressions, as well as their classic appellation blends. As always, Zinfandel leads the way while white wines and red varietals that were frequently found growing alongside Zinfandel are on offer.
Tasting Note
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry with supporting notes of dried herbs, slate, blueberry, and lavender. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry, bramble, rosemary, and black pepper. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture.
How to Serve
This beautiful Zinfandel can be enjoyed today or cellared for another five years. It needs nothing but a glass, but we love it with a grilled leg of lamb or a moderately spicy curry.
Price: $ 40
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4451
