theCompass
 Home   Map   Blog Roll   WineCompass   Wine 101   My Compass 

Cardinal Zin

Cardinal Zin Wine Details
Price:

Description: Deep ruby color. A slightly smoky nose from the first hit, owing to the very discreet oak treatment, one presumes, followed hard on by lots of red fruit – chiefly brambleberry, mulberry and some very engaging hints of mint and chocolate. The mouth reprises the nose, but there is real depth there and (if I am not greatly mistaken) a real quality of minerality that gives the wine a sort of moral center. It is my presumption that this quality derives from the very profound root system of these exceptionally hoary vines. Very soft mouthfeel, medium acidity and a refreshing, clean finish.

Varietal Definition
Zinfandel:
Zinfandel is a variety of red grape planted in over 10 percent of California wine vineyards. DNA fingerprinting revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, and also the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in the 'heel' of Italy. It is typically made into a robust red wine. Its taste depends on the ripeness of the grapes from which it is made. Red berry fruits like raspberry predominate in wines from cooler areas such as the Napa Valley, whereas blackberry, anise and pepper notes are more common in wines made in warmer areas such as Sonoma County. Many Zinfandels come from head pruned ‘Old Vines’. ‘Old Vine’ is generally understood to mean a vine that is more than 50 years old and that produces less than three tons per acre. ‘Head Pruning’ is an old European style of pruning that trains the vine into the shape of a goblet. It requires no wires or other complex trellis systems. Head pruning spreads the fruit uniformly along the vine and allows light penetration.In the USA a semi-sweet Rosé (blush-style) wine called ‘White Zinfandel’ has achieved widespread popularity. In fact, this popularity has so outstripped all other forms that many fans think there is actually a grape called “White Zinfandel” (there isn’t)!


Reviews




Back to Bonny Doon Vineyard information