Wine of the Week: 2007 Cline Zinfandel

This weeks wine of the week goes to the 2007 Cline Zinfandel for its rich fruity, but yet bold deliverance of delicious aroma and succulent flavors.

Cline cellars tasting notes describes this vintage as “For I am thy blood, and thy nectar,” as if to be speaking from the bottle itself. And to add, not only speaking, but speaking in the third person.

While this statement may seem arrogant, the wine is absolutely correct. This could very well be the lifeblood of all wines and the nectar of all nectars.

Grown and harvested from the San Joaquin valley of Lodi and the appellations of Oakley, these two varietals of Zinfandel grapes are blended together to create the perfect balance of taste. This vintage does not disappoint with its black cherry and raspberry with a hint of vanilla, white pepper, and earthy tones. Together makes for long enjoyable finish.

For more information about the winemaker and this vintage, go to: Cline Cellars

Come meet Charlie Cline in person at Azo Vino. See my article on events for this week: Wine events in the Inland Empire area for the Week of June 2 thru June 7


Price per bottle: $9 to $19

Wine of the Week, Rabbit Ridge 2006 Pinot Noir, Reserve

Each week, I will bring to you a new selection of wine and tell you why I choose it, why it’s good, and what it goes well with.

For this weeks wine, I’ve chosen the 2006 Pinot Noir. For those who love a good Pinot Noir, the 2006 Rabbit Ridge Reserve is one of my top choices. It also won a silver medal in January 2009 at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, among other awards.

Grown in the valleys of Paso Robles then aged in French and American barrels for 17 months, gives the wine a balance of full bodied flavor and a rich floral aroma. A hint of black cherry, blackberries, and violets can be tasted within the wine to make for a pleasant experience for the nose, on the palate, and finishes smooth.

While this bottle of wine is a moderately expensive brand priced at $20 per bottle, it is well worth the journey. Enjoy alone or savor with grilled salmon, lamb chops, duck, rosemary herbed chicken, or even pizza.