2008 Rodney Strong Zinfandel Knotty Vines Estate Vineyard

A big, rich, oaky, Sonoma Zinfandel, this has huge oak, generous blackberries and black cherries sprinkled liberally with coarse black pepper and shavings of baker’s chocolate. The finish drops off quickly. It scored a three out of five stars at the Palate Press Grand Tasting. This wine will overpower anything but the biggest, most flavorful meats and sauces. Giant, Flintstones-sized beef ribs with a great rub and sauce carmelized on for just the last twenty minutes or so will do the job.

WHO: Rodney Strong
WHAT: Zinfandel
WHERE: Knotty Vines Estate Vineyard, Sonoma County, California
WHEN: 2008
HOW MUCH: $19 (Media sample)