2012 Broc Cellars, Zinfandel “Vine Starr” Sonoma County.
Chris Brockway’s Broc Cellars is a micro/urban winery based in Berkeley California and his natural low intrusion low sulphur wines are a huge hit, especially with the low alcohol and restaurant crowd, but these are wines that should appeal to everyone. While still under the radar and sort of hipster (god knows I’m not hip, but I really like these wines), these Broc wines have a certain mordern/old school style about them and without question Brockway is a gifted winemaker with a lot of passion for his craft and a vision of what he wants in his wines, this is especially true and shows in his latest Vine Starr Zin, which I highly recommend sampling for yourself it is like no other Zinfandel of our age with bright flavors, under 14% and has a pretty spicy character. The 2012 Broc Vine Starr Zinfandel (fermented whole cluster with native/natural yeasts) which is very Cotes du Rhone like with tangy peppery notes, briar and vibrant fruit, it delivers raspberry in a classic Zin way, true to it’s varietal heart, and kirsch, bramble berry, lavender, fennel/licorice and wild herbs along with hint of mineral and cedar notes. Everything flows well here, it is all in harmony and graceful with soft tannins, a bit of acidity giving a lightness to this medium bodied red and the finish is good with lingering compote and cinnamon. This is a very fun and fashionable Zinfandel that plays well with many cuisines and is easy on the palate, drink now through 2018.
($27 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
