I’d make fun of the name, (another crazy name from California) but it’s really pretty darn good. I’ll have to wait to sample “Bridgette Bardoux Boudreaux” from France. I’m telling you that name is too good to pass up. BTW, Zin-fat-u-a-tion is only available at World Market stores, according to the label.

It’s got a clear, bright deep violet color with some moderate structure to the wine. There are some very intense cherry notes here with a hefty (read somewhat puckering) astringency. The tannins seem also be somewhat aggressive but that actually doesn’t seem to hurt this wine. Not a sweet wine, the balance seems good and the finish somewhere between medium to long. It definitely lingers. This wine would be best with a meal, its got the chops for it, but for a dry wine to drink on it’s own, you could do worse.

This vintage is like the perfect companion. Visually appealing with a deep virginal blushing colour to bewitch the most jaded of satyrs. The taste is fruity and delicious; and complex enough to be enjoyed over and over. The finish is sublime and shows the delicate ending balance of a desired tartness. As the most wonderful visit to the theater with the your sophisticated, worldly woman is then transformed into a raucous romp with the classy, wanton tramp after you get home behind closed doors.

– Silenus

Grade: A- Price: $10

Zin-fat-u-a-tion
2005
Red Zinfandel
Napa Valley
Amador County
California
Alcohol: 13.9% by Volume