Friday, November 25, 2005

Rosenblum Annette’s Reserve, Rhodes Vineyard Zinfandel 2001–a review by (PB)

In the glass there is a bit of an opaqueness that is due to the intense concentration of chromophores making up the color of this Zin. Rosenblum is a consistent producer of very good to excellent Zins. (As they make 20 diffierent zinfandel creations, read the label carefully!) Rosenblum is known for their style which is up front, rich, ripe and powerful.

The problem is, they may just be too good! This wine has a bouquet that is full of ripe berries, with a perfumey spray of aromas and a soapey scented kind of charm.

The flavor of this wine is gargantuanly intense, concentrated sweetness, with ultra-ripe and peppery fruit. My first response was “Wow.” But, the problem, if I can put it that way, is that this Zin is so BIG that it tramples every other flavor coming your way. The fruit is so rich and fat that nothing can stand up to it not even the intense spices of a thanksgiving table.

(NW) and I agreed it did not pair well with dinner and wondered what might go with such a wine. “BBQ ribs!” (NW) suggested. Ah, indeed, I think that might just do the trick.

So here again is a really special, monster of a wine but too brash to keep company with most food. I paid $25 for this finding it when I was out in Los Angeles this past Summer. Grab one or two but just know, you may end up drinking apart from food. Or fire up the grill and get those ribs humming! At any rate, raise a glass!

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