I must say- this wine is intriguing. Normally Zinfandel is relatively deep hued and high in alcohol. This one is pale to medium ruby colored with thin legs that took a while to form. It sports a more modest 13.5% ABV. The nose is spicy with pepper, menthol, clove, dark chocolate, black plum and black raspberry. The palate is dry with sweet, ripe fruit. Medium acidity coupled with medium (-) tannins make for a relatively easygoing mouthfeel. Medium bodied- I get flavors of black raspberry, plum, white and black pepper, blackberry jam and a crescendo of acidity on the back end that is starting to make my jaw water. I did not get that level of acid at the onset but it is certainly prominent on the finish, which is medium in length. I like this non-vintage, old vine wine, it has a smoothness and drinkability that make it hard to put down. The spicy nature of the grape is perfect for my pairing- Middle Eastern fare including Kafta ( a spiced ground Lamb kebab) and Harissa potatoes along with olives and other sundry items. 89 points for this $21 non-vintage bottle makes it a 4 star effort to drink now. Salut….
Cooper’s Hawk Old Vine Zin NV, Lodi, California
16 Monday Jan 2023
Posted Wine
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