2020 Sabelli-Frisch Zweigelt Milk Fed 4 Mokelumne Glen Vineyard - USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi Mokelumne River (8/1/2023)
This was outstanding! It made me remember why I enjoy wine so much. (Which is why it gets a 94, based on CT's rating chart.)
Like others, I'd never be able to identify this variety. To me, it tasted like a cool climate Syrah crossed with a slightly earthy Beaujolais from Morgon. For my palate, it was medium+ to full bodied, not overly extracted, no oak (or very well hidden) and yet only 12% abv!
I actually pulled this bottle because we were having sushi and I wanted red that could be served chilled, around 50 degrees. The pairing was SUPERB.
Once the weather cools down, this will certainly pair well with the usual Syrah/Beaujolais suspects - roast chicken, cassoulet, pork shoulder. But for now, decant it in the fridge for 30 minutes while you go pick up a dragon roll.
I thoroughly enjoyed every sip. (94 points)
Posted from CellarTracker
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Agreed! I love your note. Blind I would have gone to St Emilion - meaty-mineral and earthy, so I can totally see the Syrah-Morgon mashup comparison. But I’ll admit surprise to hearing about the sushi pairing!!
I’ve had moderate success pairing sushi with low alcohol, low tannin reds, but I have google to thank for suggesting zweigelt. It was an exciting meal.
Hey - are you OHNE_MUSIK? Your CT notes are splendid.
And hey, @Adam_Frisch, can you tell us a bit about the élevage on this beauty?
Thanks so much for the kind notes, Patrick! It’s one of my personal favorites, too.
Very simply vinified - native yeast, kept punchdowns to about one a day, then moved to neutral oak right after press, elevage for about 10 months (if my memory serves).
I have no idea what I did right on this one but the vineyard is great.
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Had this with dinner tonight. Superb stuff. Really benefited from an hour or two of air. I reckon this thing has legs and if there are any bottles left in 5 years it may go somewhere quite interesting. My spouse liked it a lot, too, and she can be a tough crowd.
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