I take a fair amount of flake for cellaring some of the wines that I do from time to time. I have to admit there have been a few clunkers but tonite`s 350ml was drinking very nicely.
TN: Saucelito Canyon `91 Late Harvest Zinfandel, Arroyo Grande Valley, San Luis Obisco County.
I had an eye on this split for quite a while, but thought “what the heck, tonite is the nite!!” Dug out a raisin pie from the freezer to help it along.
Purchased in May `93, $24 Cdn (350ml). 16% alc, brix at harvest 40, cork very moist and some seeping. Cork broke in half but no problem.
The color looks like a 10 yr old tawny, no ruby whatsoever. Light caramel center, appealing brown rainbow.
On the nose, instant port-like nuances with caramel, prunes, dates, high alcohol. “Very porty from across the table”.
The palate is a real surprise. Rich, sweet, mothers famous Xmas cake. Long lengthy finish, no sign of falling apart, still has good acidity. Served blind, one would be pushed to recognise this little treasure.
No sign of going downhill after 2 hrs, have a glass left for tomorrow for the gang downtown.