Renwood 1996

[Andre]

Zinfandel Renwood 1996

To say that I am big fan of Zinfandel would be a lie. The vines have to be quite old to produce complexity and character that I may find interesting so this one had not been the subject of my dreams. The following was quite a bit of surprise:

The back label reads: The grandfather of Zinfandel Grandpere Zinfandel, Amador County.

This is a fully blown extremely well balance full bodied Zinfandel at the peak of anything I had ever tasted before from this variety [unless blended]. Very ripe fruit flavors dominated by plums. The right amount of spicy-peppery feel is now one with the tannins, finely tuned and providing a smooth consistent pleasure throughout its consumption. A hint of bitterness in the aftertaste further compliments and allows more balance and greater complexity.

Drink through 2006.

[SBonner]

Zinfandel Renwood 1996

To say that I am big fan of Zinfandel would be a lie. The vines have to be quite old to produce complexity and character that I may find interesting so this one had not been the subject of my dreams. The following was quite a bit of surprise:

The back label reads: The grandfather of Zinfandel Grandpere Zinfandel, Amador County.

This is a fully blown extremely well balance full bodied Zinfandel at the peak of anything I had ever tasted before from this variety [unless blended]. Very ripe fruit flavors dominated by plums. The right amount of  spicy-peppery feel is now one with the tannins, finely tuned and providing a smooth consistent pleasure throughout its consumption. A hint of bitterness in the aftertaste further compliments and allows more balance and greater complexity.

Drink through 2006.

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Nice description. I have not tried this vintage for several years. From what I remember the Grandpere is made from vines that are averaging 50+ years. Big, rich, and alcoholic (15%++) as I remember with amazing amounts of briar, raspberry, and hints of chocolate. Was it expensive to buy in your country?

Cheers,

Stephen

Edited January 15, 2006 by SBonner (log)

[Andre]

Greetings Stephen,

The wine is not officially imported to Israel and this specific bottle was bought in the States [ Not cheap at all ].

I did not find the wine alcoholic and the label states 14.5%. It seems to bein perfect condition right now.

The back label states:

" A wine of rare quality from one of America's oldest vineyards"