2000 Tobin James Reserve

[Innkeeper]

2000 Tobin James, James Gang Reserve, Paso Robles, Zinfandel ($28). Came with the Spring ’03 James Gang shipment so actual cost was $16-$18. 15.6% Alcohol. Big, jammy, and intense. Enough red and black fruit and spice to neutralize the alcohol, so that the wine was not hot at all. Unbelievable complexity and chewy tannin across the palate and long lingering finish. Matched with grillpanned rib eye steaks slathered with local chevre with peppercorns and garlic, and salad and interesting bread. The bread was made by a local baker who happens to be Irish. In addition the Irish Soda Bread both with and without raisins, he had a raised brown bread made with Guinness. That was what we had, also slathered with the chevre. We did feel sleepy afterwards.