WTN: 1995 Terraces Zinfandel

[Brad Ballinger]

1995 Terraces Zinfandel, Napa Valley. And another 1995 Zinfandel from the cellar bites the dust, leaving three (all from Ridge). But this one went out with a beautiful swan song. I've always enjoyed the Zinfandels from Terraces going back to the 1991 vintage. This wine is one that has handled ten years of aging with hardly a wrinkle. The nose shows bright zinberry fruit and a bit of VA (which I can tolerate more in zinfandel for some reason than in other varietal wines). There is also black pepper, briar-like character, and some spicy oak. The attack on the palate is pleasant, and the wine sort of steps in the door rather than thrusting the door open with Kramer-like flair. In the mouth is shows raspberry, loganberry, pepper, spice, and a bit of smoke. Acidity is high, and tannins are softened, but not laying down. I expected the wine to finish with a bit of a burn, but that wasn't the case. I mainly got fruit on the finish, and it lasted for about 30 seconds. A good grilled flank steak wine.

[KatieLoeb]

and the wine sort of steps in the door rather than thrusting the door open with Kramer-like flair.

Nice turn of phrase, my wine loving friend! And I actually believe I know exactly what you mean by that.