Summer’s here…enjoy it while it lasts!
Author: Guest Blogger
The sun’s shining and so am I. Those lazy summer days with friends and family have finally arrived and this weekend I managed to squeeze in a beach picnic, a barbeque extravaganza and a light alfresco dinner amongst the jasmine and falling blossom! Ahh, pure bliss.
With the odds against me I decided to put some faith in British summertime and stock up with some delicious wines ahead of the weekend. For me classic Sauvignon Blanc is synonymous with summer and perfect for lighter dishes so I cracked open a couple of bottles 2006 Sancerre, Les Monts Damn
Had a great Zinfandel from Ch Montelena, their 2002 Estate wine from Calistoga at the north end of the Napa. a bright ruby colour, strong berry aroma, big and fruity in the mouth with a silky smooth finish. Absolutely right now with a juicy steak. Can also recommend the Frog’s Leap 2006 Zin in a lighter style – very good. For something a bit more exotic go for Quintessa’s ‘Meritage’ blend for 2005 if you can get hold of it. Sorry for going on about Californian wines, but many of them are a bit special and working out here for the moment means I get plenty of practice.
I had the 2004 Frog’s Leap Zin a few weeks ago and thought that it was a great bbq wine – interesting but big and bold enough to stand up to all the intense flavours. Is it available to buy on bbr?
@ John Cohen
Many thanks for your comment.
Yes, you can find it here on bbr.com:
http://www.bbr.com/db/product/63370B/Frog-s-Leap-Zinfandel-Napa-Valley-California
We also found the wine to be interesting yet big and bold enough to stand up to a variety of flavours. Our current tasting note reads:
“Varietal intensity is an easy goal to set as winemakers, but one often missed by today’s overextracted Zins. The 2004, however, hits the mark immediately, with aromas of cardamom and clove mixing with the classic Zinfandel qualities of wild berry and brambly fruits. Across the palate the wine continues to reveal layers of fruit and earth that range from cherry and raspberry to cigar box and leather. The resolved tannins and plush texture complete a Zin that is both rich and quaffable. This wine has always been the chameleon of the table, so try it with anything. It is sure to please.”