Lots of people only know Zinfandel as the pink inexpensive summer sippers, but Zinfandels can also be nice fruit forward wines (think Merlot like, sorta kinda not really) or even big wines. In Italy the same grape is called the Primitivo. In California where most Zinfandels come from the wines are field blends. Which means interspersed within a field are a variety of different grapes. Because of this Zinfandels can vary wildly year to year. This particular wine is Zinfandel 92%, Carmenere 3%, Barbera 2.5%, and Petite Sirah 2.5%. Dark in color with a light red berry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays fruit forward red berries to match the nose, raspberries and the like. On the medium length finish the wine displays some nice dryness, and tannins. The red berry fruits linger nicely in the mouth. A very nice Zinf. I would give it an 88+. Not in the LCBO $24.95 a bottle.
From the winery:
The 2012 Asylum Zinfandel exudes vibrant colors of aubergine and dark raspberry. Dried red roses, all spice, coffee toasted walnuts and crushed cranberry resurrects your senses. Succulent blackberry, dark cranberry, dried underbrush and tobacco spill out of the glass. Firm, yet smooth integrated tannins with lush acidity are found on the lengthy finish.
