Knotty Vines Northern Sonoma Zinfandel

A funny one.

Opened the first bottle of this, decanted for an hour or so, and tasted to find that it’d completely gone. Not corked, simply past its best. Flat. I opened another, and the last I have of the 2012 - a wine I’ve enjoyed many a time over the years - and drank straight from the bottle (well, with a glass in between - but no decanter). This bottle showed much better, with all of the plump, creamy and velvety dark fruit you’d expect from a decent Sonoma Zin. Much to my surprise, it carried well the day after - and even the first bottle, half of which remained sealed in its original bottle, was showing well two days after opening.

Wine is a strange thing. But a wonderful thing nonetheless.

Lots of candied fruit. Cloying.

This is a great value Zin that makes me realise I don't drink enough of the stuff. There's an immediate hit of vanilla on the nose, though not overpowering, followed by coffee and spices. On the palate, the balance between acidity and ripe fruit is impeccable and exemplary of a truly well-crafted Zinfandel. This is a grape that's hard to master, and Rodney's nailed it here. The finish is long, preceded by sumptuous notes of toffee, orange zest and cocoa. At four years of age, the tannins are performing exceptionally (I write this on the second day of opening) and, though I wouldn't say this is one for the cellar, it's a wine that is very enjoyable now.
Also worthy of note is that, last night, I drank this from a Riedel Veritas Cabernet/Merlot glass, and tonight from a Riesling/Zinfandel glass from the same range. Credit to Riedel: the wine is showing immeasurably better tonight, from a glass whose aperture is far tighter; the influence on the wine is unquestionable. #california #californiaclassic #zintastic #zinfadel #zincredible #redwine #sonomaorbust #sonoma @riedel

Aged beautifully, fruity and rich round flavor with minimal tartness on the back of the tongue. Notes of coffee and plum, smooth and satisfying. Better than I expected.

Honestly it was so lovely i forgot to do a rating at the time. It was light but complex. Had quite of bit of balance and smoothness. Was a perfect age. Very approachable.

Very rich wine but with subtle hints. Went perfectly with a rib eye steak. $24

Peppery and hints of vanilla, with a tart berry. Overall a fair bottle

Deirbergs

Dark cherry fruit and a spicy wood like finish. Betsy tasty, easy to drink. V2015

Surprise it is yummy! Spice on the nose, deep dark cherry,lblack berry, rich nice stays with you