With 16.5% alcohol, and heat over the fruits, the 2004 Spelletich Cellars Zinfandel from Alriso Vineyard in Amador County, California. cost near $20.
The Amador area is known for its old vines and concentrated wines, but the excessive alcohol, nearly a fortified Port, scored just 13 points on the Dionysian scale. It could not be paired with any subtle dish. It was ink black, had a nose of over-ripe blackberry and alcohol fumes, and it finished short.
It’s nicely oaked with both American and French wood, but even though the back label says to enjoy with food, there is nothing to pair with it that a beer wouldn’t enhance better.
High alcohol table wines just don’t age well. Maybe it would have been better if drunk on release. In vino veritas.
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