At 19 years old, the 2000 Painter Bridge Zinfandel – Shiraz  from San Jose, California scored an impressive 18 points on the Dionysian 20-point Scale.

It was silky soft after decanting, Its nose was filled with pepper, black raspberry, and blueberry aromas. The wine was still deeply colored and could age another five to ten years.

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A food Zin filled with fruit flavors. I served it with a red pasta dish with a big meat sauce.

It cost under $15 back then, has just 13% alcohol and works nicely with 60% Zinfandel and 40% Shiraz.  I do like Zins at about 10 to 15 years old, and this bottle was a very pleasant surprise.  These two grapes marry well.  In Vino Veritas.