This was one of the four dozen in the back of my car when I lost my keys and had a flat tire too.
Very good old Zin. The only flaw is that it's a bit hot on the finish – not surprising given the proof. It has the dust of age, and the tannins (typical of '98) are still strong and fresh, but the blackberry thorns are still scratching your arms and making the fruit that much tastier. 15.7% alcohol, which is quite a bit of proof.
Sonoma Valley, Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Merlot 2004 $22.99 at Beltramo's in Menlo Park in 7/09
Medium tannins, pleasant blackberry flavor, even finish with good length. Excellent value. 14.5% alcohol
I had overstuffed chairs and carpets cleaned today and I decided to eat out. There's a very good French restaurant, Le Maison du Cafe in Los Gatos, that has a simply dreadful wine list, so I dragged this out of the cellar to help drive the smell out of my nose. I chose lamb tenderloin with Portabello mushrooms and found a very friendly match. The lamb was very mild, and the merlot was the real thing, not plastic smooshy stuff at all. The chef's green beans and roasted potatoes were both scrumptious -- I do like good veggies and that's a rarity in restaurants -- and I managed to leave only a glass for the chef's delight.
I did get there early, about 6:00, and times are indeed bad, but I was the only customer! The maitre'd said they had a reservation for 6 a bit later, but boy it must be hard these days! And this isn't a high-priced place.
John