Tobin James Renegade

[Innkeeper]

1998 Tobin James, Renegade, Paso Robles, Zinfandel ($20). This was kind of a ringer that showed up in the fall '02 shipment, being two years older than everything else in the box. We tasted it in their tasting room two years ago, and hadn't seen it since. Low and behold here it was.

It was at its peak last night. Lush fruit on the nose and upfront. Enchanting complexity with spice, Paso earth and smooth, smooth tannin across the palate, and a lingering finish. Matched it with beef kielbasa braised in red wine. Wonderful.