Monday, January 7, 2013

Gamba Family Ranches Russian River Valley 2009 Zinfandel


Gamba Family Ranches Russian River Valley 2009 Zinfandel, $44.91-$49.91, 91 points, appears pomegranate in color with a broad transparent rim.
The aroma quickens your nose with violets, earth, and pungent cedar.
There's tons of big adjectives with this big Zinfandel; there's that big aroma, big alcohol (16.4%), big acidity carried by the big, nearly full (dry as a bone) body, and moderate tannins are hidden in all that acidity, yet the big finish of long trailing heat and spice continue the trend of big. 
Flavors of plum, coffee, and licorice are tenuous as they struggle to over-come all that alcohol.
Over all, this is a much better effort for a big alcohol Zinfandel than many others I've tasted, but Gamba (Leg) comes with a big premium, and thus makes this Zinfandel a difficult choice for many wine lovers.

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1 comment:

  1. Dennis,

    Agreed, that's a hefty price tag for a Zin. I don't mind "big Zins", but 16.4% alcohol is pushing it for this palate.

    Nick

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