Sobon Estate Fiddletown Zinfandel

A thoroughly enjoyable Zinfandel that shows the variety’s lusty character, but with special grace and finesse. Bone dry and richly tannic, it has complex flavors of blackberries, blueberries and currants, with earthier notes of tobacco, leather and unsweetened dark chocolate. Very fine.

Grown at the Lubenko Vineyard from head-pruned vines planted in 1910, this is an intensely concentrated, bowl-you-over zin that manages to stay in balance. There’s an iron-rich soil character that keeps it savory against purple fruit, which will need time in bottle to grow more expressive. Scents of dark mushrooms, chili spice and leather all add to the complexity. Decant this several hours before dinner if you open it now, to serve with braised lamb.

The boldest, spiciest and most outspoken of the Sobon Zinfandel lineup. Excellent balance; just about exploding with black and red fruit flavors, spicy oak and black pepper. This is the kind of wine that could never feel out of place at a good old-fashioned barbecue, but also works well with steak and mushroom dishes or spicy Chinese beef, or on its own as a pick-me-up on a cold winter night.

The wine has aromas of spice, cherry and concentrated fruit. It is restrained and very complex. Enjoy with lamb, beef or pasta dishes.