Montevina Zinfandel

[Innkeeper]

1998 Montevina, Sierra Foothills, Zinfandel ($8.99, $7.19 by the case). A zesty atypical Foothills Zin. A landslide of upfront fruit with a burst of tannin midstream, and a finish that brings tears to your eyes. The perfect mate for Mexican Pork Roll with Mole Sauce, Mexican Rice, and salad. Recipes graciously forwarded back to us at our friends' place here in RI by good ole mrdutton.

[ZinNoEsBlanco]

It's the hottest wine that I have ever tasted! There must be some Habanero chili pepper in the mix.
If you're not eating Mexican, give the '99 Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz a try. Its bright, balanced fruit and pepper flavors are superior to any Zin in its price range ($9).

[Innkeeper]

Well, we did it again. Gawd this is a huge one, reminiscent of the bad ole days; weighing in at 15.5% alcohol (printed!). Pepper and overipe raspberries on the nose, an explosion of more fruit upfront, tingling on the palate, and a smile on the finish. Married unbelievably with oven baked country pork ribs in barbecue sauce and limas (pour moi) and broccoli (for her).

[cpurvis]

Add me to the fan club! Picked it up at a case discount sale price just under $7. Popped one open last night...this is a real winner in the <$15 category. Plenty of spice, but can't say as I understand ZNEBlanco's "habanero" assessment. Love that classic "zinberry" flavor. cp

[cpurvis]

Don't keep this one overnight without using Private Preserve or other oxygen displacement gas. The underlying flavors remained, but the wine developed an unpleasant bitter taste when refrigerated. cp

[Bucko]

My note FWIW:

1998 Montevina, Zinfandel, Amador County, $10, 27,000 cases. Plum and boysenberry nose, somewhat thin but tasty black fruit, a dollop of pepper and briary flavors all combine with underpinning acidity and moderate, drying tannins. Fairly priced.

Bucko

[ZinNoEsBlanco]

That '98 Montevina Zin must be maturing rapidly in the bottle. About six months ago, it was so hot that there was sweat on my brow after I had a few glasses of it. But, I'll have to give it another try.

For an inexpensive "huge" zin, I would recommend the '99 Bogle Old Vine Cuvée - Zinfandel. It is a better made wine, from a superior vintage, for about $11. The grape source is Fiddletown, Amador County & Lodi, with 14.8% alcohol.