2012 Scherrer, Zinfandel, Scherrer Vineyard Old & Mature Vines, Alexander Valley.
This was a great discovery, after having Scherrer many times over the years, his new 2012 Zin from his estate vines is a wonderful expression of varietal and place with a throw-back feel with a classic late eighties or early nineties character with dark fruit, spicy elements and pure vibrancy. There is lots to love here, Fred Scherrer has done a masterful job of making an exciting Zinfandel with deep flavors and plenty of fresh life, it has vigor and still is very seductive and pleasing, in someways it reminds me of Bedrock and or Carlisle, but still all Fred with rustic and robust edges. The highlights here include fresh blackberry, raspberry, dried currant, minty herbs, pepper, cinnamon stick, salted black licorice, morello cherry, cedar and briar notes along with smooth, but perky tannins, a crunch of stones, mineral and a lift of acidity that adds a burst of vitality, quite remarkable in such a warm vintage and over all it comes in as joyous and complex as Ridge Geyerville or Lytton Springs with nice density without sky high alcohol or port like flavors. The finish leaves a long boysenberry, sweet tobacco/sage note and a touch of earth and is tangy juicy making it great with robust cuisine. This is the best Scherrer I can remember, he is really on it these days, and his latest Rose is great too, I highly recommend taking some time and looking at the Scherrer offerings. While everything his does is impressive, the Zin is my favorite, especially this Scherrer Vineyard Old & Mature Vines Zinfandel, it certainly is outstanding with artisan craftsmanship, a racy and sexy style, and a little post modern with refined tannins, but a hint of wildness about it, I love the stuff, drink over the next 3 to 5 years, best from 2015 to 2021.
($38 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
