Grist Vineyard Zinfandel

From a very old vineyard. Medium color saturation. I love the nose: classic Dry Creek Zin scents of exceedingly pure spicy blackberry juice, a bit of dark raspberry, and warm sandstoney gravel. Really nice balance on the palate. Surprisingly lip-smacking acidity zips along the somewhat austere (for a Zin) and minerally flavors. Structured almost like a left bank Bordeaux. I really like this . . . but . . . it’s just a tad leaner and more reserved on the palate than my ideal. That said, this will age slowly for a Zin and would pair with a wide variety of meals. Only 14.5% alc., mercifully. 9.1 for now but may go a bit higher in a few years.

Restrained in style while also somewhat extracted. Forrest floor.

Grist vineyard Zinfandel

Theresa Heredia's 1st #Zinfandel. Serious juice! #GaryFarrell

Too much time in the picnic cooler. Once it warmed up and had some time to breathe, a first-rate example of Dry Creek Zinfandel.

Typical Gary Farrell wine: terrific.

Deep dark fruit on the nose with a light smooth finish. Very drinkable Zin.

I like this even though it is very un-Zinfandel. Maybe I opened too young. It presents more like a Sonoma Pinot more than a Zin. Red berries and tart. Lovely, but not what I was expecting.

After the 8 days, this seemed like a lightweight. Not in bad way, just a little more nuanced. Solid.

Smooth, velvety, complex. Vanilla on the back. Dark fruit. Delightful from beginning to end.