2002 Joseph Swan Stellwagen Vineyard Zinfandel

[dananne]

Anne let me pick the wines last night, so it wasn't Pinot Noir for a change

This Sonoma Zin was the first of two Zins for the evening. We picked it up last summer when we visited (thanks again to WW!). Light garnet in color, transparent, with aromas of wild strawberries and pepper. Gorgeous, lighter entry than usual for a Zin, with sweet red fruit flavors delivered with mouth-watering acidity, finishing with a subtle peppery quality that I'd suspect would be something of a vineyard trait, if this is a typical expression from Stellwaggen. At any rate, the 15.3% alc. was balanced nicely, if you can believe it, and there is no component that overwhelms the rest. Very nice package, one that will likely drink nicely for several years. Ran us around $25 as part of a purchase of two mixed cases. 350 cases produced. Overall, a wonderful Zin.