TERRA D'ORO OLD VINE ZINFANDEL DEAVER RANCH
SIERRA FOOTHILLS CALIFORNIA 2009
On Sale this week for $15.99
California is known and respected worldwide - and rightly so - for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay (especially creamy and buttery - imparted by the wooden barrel - Chardonnay), and Zinfandel. Much of California's success with these wines is owing to its geography which I will explore at length in May's Ring Brothers Newsletter. TERRA D'ORO is one of the best Zinfandels that I have ever tasted. I mention Deaver Ranch, the place where the grapes are grown, because the vines there are 100 years old, pulling water and nutrients from multiple soil layers, each layer further enhancing the character of the grapes.
This wine exhibits a deep, dark, alluring red color; aromas of berry jam, plum, clove spice (typical of Zinfandels), with hints of cedar; and flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, plum, and cocoa. It is smooth and well-balanced (a harmonious whole: no one element dominates), with a long, velvety finish. The price of TERRA D'ORO has been reduced from $18.99 to $15.99, this week.