Zins Off the Beaten Path: Girasole Mendocino Zinfandel 2006 and Renwood Sierra Foothills Zinfandel 2005

Among the reds, Zinfandel is the most primal and comforting. Often seen as outclassed by buttoned-down Cabernet, temperamental Pinot Noir, or blockbuster Shiraz, Zin dispenses with all the formalities, allowing you to find your Z-spot. It's like riding down the beach road, after the tourists have left for the season, with a sunset and tail wind behind you. Zin is the perfect wine for a slowdown, be it a weekend off or an economic meltdown.

Often brutally strong, going upwards of 16.5% ethanol, there are those Zinfandels that deliver lots of flavor at 13.5%. Everyone knows Dry Creek Valley, Napa, Paso Robles and Lodi are home to great Zins, but how about Mendocino or the Sierra Foothills? These are Zins off the beaten path.

Girasole Vineyards Mendocino Zinfandel 2006 is made from organic grapes, which adds to the comfort factor. Organic is getting popular on wine labels, but you don't see it on many Zinfandels. Expect aromas of blackberry cola with hints of earthy menthol and sage. Red-fruity, spicy-tart, and slightly earthy on the palate, the finish is quite dusty and gripping without being heavy.

Price: $12 (Shallotte, NC). Closure: Real cork. Alcohol content: 13.5%.

Renwood Sierra Foothills Zinfandel 2005 is loaded with cherry pie, mocha, and tobacco aromas. Lush and soft for a Zin, the red fruit is ample, and then soft tannins and a faint whiff of sweet pipe smoke lingers in the finish.

Price: $12 (Shallotte, NC). Closure: Real cork. Alcohol content: 13.5%.

Put something on the grill, raise a glass of either of these Zinfandels, and toast the quiet comfort that only comes from every third cottage on the street being empty and for sale.

Comments

[Dr. Debs]

How wonderful that Girasole--a pretty small, local favorite winery of mine, but not exactly a major national label--made it out your way. You perfectly described the dusty finish--it's one of my favorite aspects of this wine, in addition to its affordability (of course).

[terry wagar]

Eric Carlson and Joan Wagar, A,K,A, Doubleclick and Mrs Dash,( yes those are there nicknames they gave each other.) admitted to poisoning me while I was a plasma donor back in 2005.
Eric carlson pedofied me behind prison walls and then framed me as a pedophile on march 26th 2007, I caught the crime on a audio recorder I put in Joan's purse.
there were people in authority helping them with this and nobody in authority will help they pretend nothing happened and refuse to investigate this.
Eric carlson changed his hair color and his name but this is not hidden, only ignored by the authority's and media
Im disabled from being poisoned and the hospitals refuse to admit Im poisoned.
My Family is in danger from these people and I have no other recoarse but to make these charges public.
My name is Terry Wagar,Im from portland oregon and Im backing up these charges.
I have been threatened with harassment charges by a Sargent walker, She is a portland police officer stationed at the OHSU hospital, for the non crime of reporting a multi murder conspiracy within that hospital.
They dont give a s4!t joan and eric was poisoning a plasma donor!