Wine Tasting: Pizzaioli 07/27 /10 Present: Cabs and Zins

Justin 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
WE 90pts. - According to the Wine Enthusiast: A very nice Cab, on a par with last year’s very fine one and quite as good as the 2002. It’s dry and rich in black and red cherries, red currants, cola and chocolate, with firm, velvety tannins. Beautiful now and for a few more years.


Sequoia Grove 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley:
WE 92pts. - According to the Wine Enthusiast: A lovely Cabernet, soft and voluptuous, and above all rich in flavor. Showcases ripe blackberries, black currants, chocolate and anise, leading to a dry, spicy finish. A beautiful, full-bodied wine to drink now with elaborate fare. Tasting Notes - Deep red-black in color with intense notes of blackberry and cedar, black pepper and cinnamon with slight hints of currant and creme soda. The wine flows easily across the tongue and is silky and lush with a lingering note of cassis that goes on long after the wine is swallowed.

Nozzole 2004 Il Pareto Toscana:
WE 94pts - WS 92pts. - Tre Bicchieri - According to the Wine Enthusiast: Made from a clonal selection of the estate’s best Cabernet Sauvignon, this cheerful red is concentrated and extracted with a seductively sweet-smelling nose. It is by no means simple: Background aromas of tar, root beer, espresso, chopped mint and bright berry speak to its Tuscan roots. According to the Wine Spectator: Dark and intense, with loads of currant, blackberry and vanilla character. Full-bodied, velvety and round. Has plenty of clean, pretty fruit, with hints of mineral and licorice. Best after 2009.

Rosenblum 2006 Zinfandel Contra Costa County Carla's Reserve:
Tasting Notes - This is one of the most exotic Zinfandels in our extensive portfolio. Dark in color, the wine exhibits a huge core of black cherry fruit with elements of wild berries, cassis and vanilla bean in the bouquet. On the palate, soft and round tannins support flavors of ripe black cherry and blackberry with hints of spiced plum.

Frog's Leap 2007 Zinfandel Napa Valley:
Varietal intensity is an easy goal to set as winemakers, but it is nonetheless one often missed by today's Zins. This hits the mark immediately, with aromas of cardamom and clove mixing with the classic Zinfandel qualities of wild berry and brambly fruits. Across the palate the wine continues to reveal layers of fruit and earth that range from cherry and plum to cigar box and leather. The resolved tannins and plush texture complete a Zin that is both rich and quaffable. This wine has always been the chameleon of the table, so try it with anything.

Grgich Hills 2007 Zinfandel Napa Valley Estate Grown:
Winemaker Notes - Grown at our estate vineyard in Calistoga, nestled in northern tip of Napa Valley, our Zinfandel grapes are certified organic and Biodynamic. Classic Zinfandel flavors of strawberries, raspberries and plums make this wine the perfect match for grilled meats, thin crust pizza and pastas.