Summit Lake, Zinfandel, Howell Mountain

Dark bright red. Nose of red fruit, wood or perhaps stems. Medium body, mature red fruit with resinous high lights. Tannic and young feeling. Although this is in rude health, I am not sure it will improve as the structure seems almighty.

Notes consistent with prior tasting about 10 weeks ago, maybe with a bit more emphasis on dark fruit (blackberry) this time. To me, this was somewhat reminisicent of the 2012 Geyserville tasted last weekend in terms of flavor profile, tannin, acidity, etc., and that wine is four years younger. (I guess that highlights just how accessible the Geyserville is at this point.) This is a lovely zin if you can find it.

This caught my eye on a wine list, as I had not seen this label in many years. How often do you come across a small production mountain zin (270 cases), from a specialist producer in a decent vintage, with over 5 years on it? Beautiful nose of sweet marischino cherries and menthol spice, maybe a touch fumey (14.8% ABV). Sweet, almost confectionary cherry/kirsch flavors follow through on the palate, and the finish goes on and on. There are still …

Lovely nose of black cherry fruit, hints of spice and berry fruit, more of the same on the palate, very mouth filling, easy to drink, shows complexity, medium/big body and richness, long finish.

Nice easy zin. Red fruits on the nose with some earth and spice. Palate had dark raspberries, cherries, vanilla, great with dinner.