Paradise Ridge Zinfandel The Convict Rocky Ridge Vineyard

14.8% abv. 300 cases. Recent auction purchase. Some nice brambly fruit here, but as early notes have indicated, this is not a lush fruit bomb. There is plenty of oak, however. In fact, the fruit seems to be fading and leaving a frame of oak and oak tannin. More oakiness than I prefer, but this was enjoyable. It's definitely on the downward slope, though, so I wouldn't wait much longer if you're still holding onto some bottles.

Cpowell has nailed this wine. I was expected more fruit too. Had wine with dinner at Bandera- BBQ Beef ribs. Went well. My palate might have been off as 2 hours earlier I tasting 20 different wines- but food was spot on. If you are looking for a standard Rockpile Zin- this is not it. But, again this is not a bad Zin- more of a Napa Valley Zin. Scored 87-88.

Nice Zin, but perhaps my expectations were too high, based on the vineyard history. Lovely color and nose, but left me wanting more intensity and lush fruit. Not that I wanted a fruit bomb, but seems like most of the OVZ makers, especiallly in Sonoma County, are putting the bar very high for this style. Exceptionally smooth and drinkable, and a pretty good food wine. Will try again in a few months.