The nose offers up blackberry tarts with a touch of nutmeg, with rich baked fruit and toasty pastry with hints of vanilla. On the palate the fruits turns from black to red, as blackberry morphs to black cherry, and the mid-palate shows earthiness and nuttiness, with lovely lingering fruit and spices. This is a deep, layered bottle of wine that over-performs its price tag. Drink with Fred Flinstone-style beef ribs. Highly Recommended. 91 points. DBH
WHO: Troon Vineyard
WHAT: Zinfandel
WHEN: 2014
WHERE: Applegate Valley, Southern Oregon
HOW MUCH: $20 (media sample)
POINTS: 91