WINE OF THE WEEK
WILD THING ZINFANDEL 2012
MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA
By: Ed "The Wine Guy"
No one, but no one, in the world makes Zinfandel as well as California. I would also say the same thing about buttery, creamy Chardonnay and full-bodied, classic Cabernet Sauvignon. That is not to say that California doesn't produce other outstanding wines, but these three, I feel, are unique to California. This Zinfandel is called wild because it uses naturally occurring wild yeast in the fermentation process. The vines are over sixty (60) years old which gives it depth of character. It is 83% Zinfandel, 15% Carignane, 2% Petite Syrah. It exhibits aromas and flavors of raspberry, blackberry, black pepper, and caramel, and some tasters have suggested cinnamon, clove, and licorice. The tannins are smooth, as well as the long finish.