Scoring 19 Dionysian points, with 14.2% alcohol, the 2007 Federalist Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma, cost under $20 and at 13 years old, it was nearly perfect. It had a long fruity aftertaste.
It had robust spicy red fruits and lively acidity. An excellent food wine. When I think of all the Zinfandels with alcohols up to 16%, it’s nice to see one that reminded me of why I use to drink cases of Zinfandel.
Bottled by 2SONS Winery in Healdsburg; the art work of Alexander Hamilton, who was killed in a duel in New Jersey, and the wine, like Hamilton, is visionary. Good with pasta or any red meat dish or with just cheese and crackers with friends to help enjoy an afternoon.
It’s an estate grown wine. After touring Croatia last year, and tasting the grapes where Zinfandel came from, I plan to begin cellaring some of the lower alcohol Zins for short-term aging. This wine was balanced and reflected soft tannins. All Zins need six to ten years to peak except the very high alcohol examples and those will never get any better than on the day you buy it. In Vino Veritas.
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