2011 Broc, Zinfandel “Vine Starr” Sonoma County.
This is the Anti-Zin of modern conventions, this light and spicy wine is totally different than what people have come to expect from this grape, it is not that candy sweet, high alcohol style most common these days, but don’t fear this wine, celebrate it and enjoy the zest side of Zinfandel. Recently we learned the original parent grape of our Zinfandel is Tribidrag from Croatia and while it is mystery still how it got here and became California’s signature grape, it continues to evolve and intrigue us, and this new expression from Broc is really interesting and delightful with lots of subtle character and vibrant flavors. The 2011 vintage was one of the most difficult years on record for Zinfandel especially and you are going to be hard pressed to find many blockbuster wines, though if you have an open mind and enjoy more delicate wines you will find some rare treats indeed, like Broc’s Vine Starr Zin. The nose is all pepper, briar and bramble with hints of sage, rosemary, lavender and red currants which leads to a palate of fresh raspberry, strawberry, cranberry and tart plum while cracked pepper and candied citrus rind play in the background. As it opens there is more cherry and blueberry essences adding to the mix and while it is light to medium weight in body it is a very pleasing wine that should be enjoyed young.
($28 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
