Most of our readers know that I tend to recommend wines under $20 per bottle, but the Grant Street Vineyard 2005 Zinfandel justifiably pushes the pricing envelope at $25 for a surprising and beautiful wine.
I received this Zin yesterday via UPS (yes you can order it online), opened it at 5 to breathe and took my first sip at 6. I immediately considered it a really nice Zin, not too heavy and one that can be used with many a meal.
To my surprise the longer this Grant Street Zinfandel sat in my glass (not the bottle), the better this gorgeous Zin opened up.
My final pour did not even taste like my initial tasting! In this wine I found complexity, richness, fruit and full body without being heavy or leaving you wanting to pucker from those tannins.
This is really unlike any Zinfandel I have come across in a long time.
I am of course partial to Zinfandel, but would recommend Grant Street to all who are hesitant to try this variety, fearing it would be too heavy for their tastes. No so! Feel free to serve this wine with almost any meal. My husband and I drank ours while dining on shrimp scampi and pasta and it was wonderful!
The Grant Street Vineyard is a family owned and operated vineyard started in 1990 by Jim and Susie Wycoff. The label is a sketch of the historic family home. I really could taste the love and dedication in their wine. This Zinfandel has done so well that by the time you read this they may be sold out. They do have a 2005 Cabernet that is still available (hurry before that sells out too!) and I am told by Ryan (Jim and Susie’s son) the 2006 is coming and will prove to be just as exceptional.
Wine Tasting Tip:
Always begin with a clean clear glass and pour less than an inch into your glass. Always begin with the lightest wines first (white, sparkling, rose’ etc) and then work your way up to the heavy ones (Zins, Cabs, etc). The reason for this is that it helps keep taste buds sensitive so you can enjoy and appreciate each wine you taste. Nibble on a cracker, snack on some cheese–or simply have a sip of water between tastes in order to help preserve your palate.
