2022 Vintner's Reserve Zinfandel

Appearance:

• Color: Bright ruby-red with garnet hues, typical of a youthful Zinfandel. It might have a medium depth of color with some clarity.

Aroma (Nose):

• Fruit: Bursting with ripe, juicy blackberry, raspberry, and plum aromas, characteristic of Zinfandel’s fruit-forward nature. You might also detect some notes of blueberry or dark cherry.
• Spice: Spicy aromas are common in Zinfandel. Expect notes of black pepper, anise, and clove.
• Sweetness: Subtle hints of vanilla, baking spices, and cocoa from oak aging.
• Earth: A touch of earthiness or dried herbs like sage or thyme, reflecting the terroir of San Miguel.

Palate:

• Body: Medium to full-bodied with a plush, rich texture.
• Fruit: On the palate, the fruit intensity shines through, with flavors of ripe blackberry, raspberry jam, and black cherry. You might also taste fig or even boysenberry.
• Spice: A peppery spice note (white or black pepper), along with hints of cinnamon, clove, or licorice.
• Tannins: Soft, approachable tannins that offer some structure without being overly astringent.
• Acidity: Moderate acidity balances the fruit sweetness, giving the wine a nice lift and freshness.
• Alcohol: Zinfandel can be high in alcohol, and this could be around 14-15%, adding a bit of warmth to the palate.

Finish:

• Length: Long and fruit-forward finish with lingering notes of spicy pepper, dark fruit, and a slight chocolate or mocha undertone.
• There may also be a touch of sweet oak on the finish, rounding out the bold flavors.

Food Pairing:

• A versatile wine that pairs well with barbecued meats (ribs, burgers), spicy sausages, or dishes with bold sauces. It’s also great with pizza, pasta with rich tomato sauces, or even hearty vegetarian dishes like ratatouille.

The 2022 Zinfandel from San Miguel is a bold, approachable wine, reflecting the warm growing conditions of the region, with a strong focus on ripe fruit and spice. It's youthful, expressive, and enjoyable now but could age well for a few more years.