On Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle released a list of their top fifteen south central coast zinfandels, including the Dover Canyon 2004 Old Vine Zinfandel, Benito Dusi Vineyard.
"As a whole, the south Central Coast has its share of Zinfandels with 15 percent or more alcohol, which include all but three of our recommended wines. The big difference? Our recommended Zins are well balanced. The alcohol in these wines provides rich, full mouthfeel, but remains in the background and integrated with the wines' fruit, acidity and oak shadings. This was one of the more interesting tastings this year; these Zins demonstrate that there can be a wide range of styles -- most of them good in their own way. Except where noted, these wines could convert Zinfandel naysayers by demonstrating that high alcohol and fruit can be present but not overshadow the wines' other charms." Of the Old Vine Zinfandel, reviewers said, "There's some meatiness to this wine's nose along with rhubarb, baked cherry and touches of citrus and spice. Most dishes on the table will benefit from its seamless style and red cherry acidity." By the way, we have less than 10 cases of this wine left! Last year's 2003 Old Vine Zinfandel placed first in a tasting of 300 wines by a Los Angeles newspaper panel.
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