'06 Tobin James French Camp Zinfandel

[Innkeeper]

Popped our 2004 last night. It came in the spring '07 shipment and still listed at $38. Alcohol level: 16%.

It gave black and red raspberries (who can tell the difference?)on the nose and upfront. Gobs of jammy fruit, pepper & spice, were in the complex middle, and the finish lingered seemingly forever. The boldness of the wine absorbed all the heat from the alcohol, but we were a light headed afterward.

We matched it with grilled rib eyes, potato salad, and homemade cole slaw.

We successfully grilled the steaks by the sear and bake (a.k.a. restaurant method) that we have been using inside during the rain. We seared them over the hot coals with cover open; then we added soaked mesquite chips to the fire, and closed the lid. Halfway through cooking, we turned them and put a pat of butter on top of each. Yum, yum; and the wine match was perfect.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 07-12-2009).]