Attractive Zinfandel

I do not drink too much Zinfandel and when I do the bottle typically bears the Ridge label.  Earlier this year Andy recommended these two bottles.  The 2010 Peter Franus, Zinfandel was enjoyable but the bottle was clearly in the midst of development.  The 1995 Hogue, Terraces was surprisingly good.  It was old-school in flavor and in nature.  At 18 years of age it should easily drink for another decade.  I wish I had bought more.  Fortunately the Franus is still available.  These wines were purchased at MacArthur Beverages.

2010 Peter Franus, Zinfandel, Brandlin Vineyard, Mount Veeder – $35
This wine is 100% Zinfandel sourced from 85-year-old vines at the Brandlin Vineyard located at 1200 feet.  Alcohol 14.8%.  The light to medium strength nose revealed strawberries and a hint of vanilla with air.  In the mouth the red fruit is gentle then slowly expands bringing ripe fruit and acidity.  With air the black fruit becomes chiseled with lots of acidity.  The wine oscillates in flavor with red fruit and tight, minerally black fruit.  There was a little heat and roughness in the aftertaste.  Give it a year to open up.  *** 2014-2019.

1995 W. Hogue Vintners, Terraces, Zinfandel, Napa Valley – $27
This wine is 100% Zinfandel which was planted with Werle clones in 1981.  The vines are located on terraces at 300-400 feet on volcanic soils.  Alcohol 13.5%.  The light to medium strength nose revealed cedar box notes along with red berries.  In the mouth there were firm, tart red berries, and plenty of acidity.  It tasted like a traditional/old-school Californian wine and was younger in the mouth.  There were underlying flavors of wood box in the middle and acidity on the tongue tip and front-sides.  It took on a little weight and flavors of cherry and firm black fruit.  The structure was present but integrated with flavors that were cerebral and tasty.  *** Now-2023.