The 2012 PoiZin California Zinfandel is 75% Zinfandel, 19% Petite Sirah and 6% Grenache sourced from more than one California grape growing AVA. There are actually 2 different PoiZin bottlings, this one, sourced from California vineyards, which has the black skull and crossbones on the label (should sell for a little over $10) and the PoiZin sourced from the Dry Creek AVA inside Sonoma, it has the red skull and crossbones (it should sell for around $20). The 2011 PoiZin was aged in French and American oak barrels for 10 months, 20% new, the rest used barrels. For some reason, the 2012 California PoiZin Zinfandel is not mentioned on the producer’s, Armida Winery of Sonoma’s website.
The color is cherry red. The nose is sweet, ripe red fruit with a whiff of smoke. The PoiZin has a light (for a Zinfandel) mouthfeel, but is full flavored. It tastes of blueberry and raspberry, licorice and plum. The mid-palate offers a nice contrasting rough edge from pepper and spice along with a hint of Starbucks Mocha. The tannins are smooth and the acidity is balanced. The finish is full and long.
The 2012 PoiZin California Zinfandel is a tasty, somewhat lean Zinfandel, this is not one of those Zin’s that are screaming to be paired with St.louis style BBQ ribs. The PoiZin is a well-manner wine with just bit of an edge to give balance to the ripe fruit flavors. If you have to choose your poison, you may as well make it a Zinfandel.
