Chez Pannise Zinfandel Week (with Zinfandel)!

WINE TALK
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Zinfandel week has been a tradition at Chez Panisse for I’m not sure how many decades. Last night was my first trip back for Chez Zin Week in about 25 years.

The menu
Warm chicories and roasted porcini salad with glazed chestnuts and balsamic vinaigrette
Grilled Riverdog Farm port chop with Zinfandel sauce, quince, straw potato cake and savory cabbage
Torrone semifreddo

The wines
1999 Ridge “Geyserville.” Just beautiful. Aromatic and vibrant with the complexity of both secondary flavors and glorious fruit. Is there anything better than a perfectly aged Geyserville?
1996 Ridge “Jimsomare.” Unlike the Geyserville, 100% Zinfandel. In my experience, the potential for aging of this historic SCM vineyard is nearly as impressive as Geyserville. Great fruit focus with emerging secondary flavors and outstanding balance. An absolutely exceptional wine.
2009 Martinelli “Jackass.” And now for something completely different, from one of California’s great 19th Century vineyards and Helen Turley. Room filling aromatics. Wave after wave of outrageously intense Zinfandel fruit. Just a bit of heat (this one weighs in at 16.7% alcohol). A supremely long aftertaste. When Jackass is on it is a one of a kind experience.

I can’t say enough for the menu and how every dish seemed to celebrate Zinfandel. Kudos to Chez Panisse for their amazing annual celebration of America’s Variety.

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You’re a star now baby if you get a rezzie there this week!

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Thanks for the tip on this tradition. I had no idea they did this. Sounds wonderful.

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16.7? Just a bit of heat?

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Truthfully, the alcohol in the Jackass was barely perceptible. What was noticible was layer after layer of exceptionally opulent and intense fruit. A remarkable wine.

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Glenn, fortunately my reputation did not precede me and they allowed me to enter!

It’s rare when an iconic institution like Chez can not only maintain over the decades, but remain at the vanguard. Their decades long love affair with Zinfandel is classic. After 25 years away, Chez is once again at the top of my list.