I last reviewed the 2005 release of this wine and quite enjoyed it. The 2006 vintage is yet another hit. Very consistent. Last time I wish I had bought more and it kept well so I have bought a few more for the cellar this time! The wine is dark in color, and mild on the nose. The wine has some lovely fruit flavors more like a cab, some cherry, some casssis flavors. The wine has a lovely dry finish and is medium in length. Overall this is a well structured wine with alcohol and oak well under control. With the tannins present this should age well too. I could not find anything out about the blend used here. There is absoloutley no jammyness so I would suspect there is little to no petite sirah. This might even be 100% Zinf although that is rare in California. The description on the web site indicates there are old vines which would contribute to the lovely complex flavors present in this wine. I would give this an easy 90-91ish. Price is creeping up a bit from $24.95.
From the LCBO web site:
RODNEY STRONG KNOTTY VINES ZINFANDEL 2006 VINTAGES 363358 | 750 mL bottle
Price: $ 26.95 Wine, Red Wine, 14.8% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: California/Californie, United States By: Rodney Strong Vineyards
Release Date: May 2, 2009
Description
Tony Aspler also gave this wine 4 stars (out of 5). (www.tonyaspler.com, Sept. 1, 2008)
Tasting Note
This is a delicious Zinfandel in a modern and food-friendly style, a style I can imagine fitting well into bistro cuisine. The fruit is forward and generous but restrained and complex, while the refreshing texture is soft with some tanginess. You can drink it with the predictable grilled red meats, but it also goes nicely with chicken or pork. Score – 4 Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, Vines, Jan./Feb. 2009)
Here’s what Wine Current had to say about the wine:
14.8% alcohol Knotty Vines refers to the appearance of aged grape vines which can become gnarled over time. The vines that produce this Zinfandel are about 100 years old and the result is very intense pure fruit flavour. Aromas of blueberry strawberry jam black pepper and milk chocolate are quite expressive. This wine is high in alcohol and acidity creating a juicy feel in the mouth. Soft ripe tannin make this easy drinking and this is just the thing for grilled back ribs in a sweet barbeque glaze. 4/5 stars.
