The Four Vines Paso Robles Zinfandel 2011 is 82% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 4% Grenache and 4 % Primitivo (Primitivo is a twin of the Zinfandel grape) sourced from two vineyards in the westside of the Paso Robles AVA inside the larger Central Coast AVA of California. This Zin was aged in oak barrels and has an alcohol content of 15%.
The color is black cherry red with a clear halo. The nose is a mix of ripe fruit and herbs, cherries, blackberries and Thanksgiving herbs. The Biker has a depth of flavor and a richness that you normally see in much more expensive wines (The Biker lists for $18). It tastes of ripe, rich blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, plums and a touch of Snickers chocolate. The mid-palate brings in contrasting flavors and textures, orange rind, Altoids spice, raspberry, a wake-up call from the tannins (always a good thing in a serious Red Wine) and a late hit of blueberry crème brûlée. The acidity is solid, the tannins are in the pocket and the finish goes on and on. If the 2011 is this good, I can’t wait to see what the 2012 vintage offers.
The Four Vines Paso Robles Zinfandel 2011 is a large and charge Red wine, this is not a shy wine by any means. A delicious Zinfandel, bursting with ripe fruit and spice, solid tannins and structure, this is a wine that will stand up to a Cuban cigar. Bold, but balanced, it reminds me of the glory days of Australian Shiraz. These wines always irritated the lovers of lean European style wines (who can be rather wine-snobby) and knowing they hated these big, bold great tasting wines made you relish drinking them even more. This is a wine that will pair with steak, roasts, pizza, hearty pasta, stews, it can handle just about anything that needs a solid Red wine, but it drinks so well its best use is to be shared with friends.
