Zinfandel is one of those wines that can be rather divisive. Some people love it and others hate it. Those who love it are often fanatical about it. They like wines that are bold and aggressive and wines with over-the-top fruit flavors and spices. To them, zinfandel is not just a wine, it’s an attitude.
Personally, I understand what some people love about zinfandel and sometimes I love it too. Yet I’m not a total zin fanatic. I tend to prefer wines that are a little more elegant than your typical zinfandel, although to be fair I have to say that zinfandel can be elegant too.
One of my favorite zinfandel producers is Four Vines and they make both the bold, aggressive style zinfandels and some that are more elegant. Their more elegant ones tend to be priced a little higher. This one is their most affordably-priced zin and it’s bold.
If you like a wine that is bursting with nutmeg, toasted oak and cedar aromas then you’ll dig this wine. If you’re not one of those people, you may not like this wine. In addition to those intense spice aromas, you’ll also find some plum and blackberry on the nose. In the mouth it offers rich black raspberry, plum and plenty of spice. The acidity is fantastic. The mouthfeel is good, but could be smoother. This is a bold, intense zinfandel, but lacks some balance and elegance. Of course if you prefer a wine that is more intense than elegant, you may dig it.
Wine: Four Vines, Truant
Variety: 77% zinfandel, 13% syrah, 5% petite sirah, 3% barbera and 2% sangiovese
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 14.4%
Rating: 85
Price: $12.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.
Find Four Vines, Truant with Snooth
