TN: Couple of Zins - 06 Montelena, 07 Rafanelli

WINE TALK
1

In the spirit of getting back into Zins as the price for Cabs continues upward, I tried the followng Zins this weekend:

  • 06 Montelena

The wine is complex on the nose with spice, red fruit, and flowers while the palate is thin and a bit diluted. A bit of heat on the finish. Mostly red fruit on the palate but the lack of fruit tends to let the structure win out. Price paid was $23.99.

-07 Rafanelli

A dark disc with a cherry and mineral nose with a hint of chocolate. The same flavors play out on the palate. A touch of heat on the back end of the finish but nothing too distracting. This wine is yummy but in need of cellar time. That is what is fun about Zin, you can enjoy early or let em sleep. I’ll let my next wine sleep for 3 years. Price paid was $39.99.

Just orderd some 07 Neal and Outpost Zins to start getting some variety in the cellar.

2

I’ll trade you some of my zins for some of your bdx!!!

3

Had the Montelena zin a while back alongside Pico Madama…Pico Madama won. The Montelena was so oaky and disjointed that it was undrinkable. Did you experience any issues with the oak? I’m a huge fan of the Montelena cabs so I don’t think I have an issue with the estate’s style in general.

4

I bet you would [rofl.gif] . Whatcha got anyway.

5

No oak that was out of place. I had Monty Zins from the 80s and they were deep and dark and powerful. This 06 was more like Pinot not Zin. I hope they have not taken the Zin out of Zin as all the red wines seem to be so homogenous these days.