'03 Tobin James Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel

[Innkeeper]

2003 Tobin James, Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles, Zinfandel ($38 list, came with the fall ’05 shipment). Alcohol level: 15.6%. Wow! What a fantastic wine; had to wrestle True Love for my share!

Absolutely at its peak; it gave a ton on fruit along with pepper and spice on the nose and upfront. Much more of the same in the middle; along with jam, smoke, minimal oak, and perfect balance despite the alky horsepower. This elixir provided a five alarm finish, the best finish in over a year; it just went on and on. She said it was the best wine she’d had in a looooooong time, and wished we’d bought more. Isn’t that always the case?

Now, one would think this would not go food, right? Wrong! It matched excellently with Shepard’s Pie made with ground lamb, veggies, gravy made with leftover fat after sautéing, and mashed potatoes. I saved my leftover wine till after dessert, but TL drank it with her nectarine cobbler and said it matched just fine!