Cargo Road Wines Zinfandel

(mid-winter Brunner@Mich&Bo's) thinning garnet in glass, hints of graphite and pencil shavings. Initial pour shows chook poo and sandalwood, kicap manis, faded plums, salted caramel and blackcurrent pastille, amidst juicy acidity. But falls apart quickly, losing its initial poise and vibrancy, fading to an uncomfortable transparent tea and blackcurrants, with tomato-ey savoriness. Educational wine, a sober 12.5% from before Cargo Road started making monster 16% wines. Would have been a pretty drop in its youth!