WTNs: Zins!

That's a grape that rarely makes it over here, except for cheap bulk shit.

Ironstone Vineyards Zinfandel Old Vine Reserve 2005
Sweet, unstructured and anonymous.

Paul Dolan Zinfandel 2008 - Mendocino County
I kind of liked this one. No new oak that I can see; no extremes of ripeness despite a hefty 14,5% abv. Instead it is bright and crunchy like a pomegranate. Palate-cleansing tannins and a refreshing finish. Actually quite nice and gastronomically easy. I wouldn't mind seeing more Zins in this style here.

Is Dolan any good to those of you are exposed to this grape more?

[David M. Bueker]

Haven't had Dolan. Might have to seek it out.

Not suprised that the Ironstone did not impress.

Hi Otto -

Didn't expect you to start drinking Zins and Barossas all of a sudden...

Ironstone is probably best known for a dessert wine named Obsession that they make from the Symphony grape, a hybrid of Grenache Gris and Muscat of Alexandria. I had it once and it was pleasant, and a good value for $5/375.

Never heard of Dolan.
If you ever see them look for Sonoma County (especially Dry Creek Valley) or Amador County (especially Shenandoah Valley) for the appellation. Also, look for under 15% alcohol.
Just my opinion, of course. Others will have their favorites (but they're wrong). LOL

Dolan's name has been around now & then for quite a few years but not recently as far as I know. Mendocino as a rule is a cooler area and many of the wines reflect that in their composition.

Paul Dolan for many years was the head winemaker at Fetzer; then, later President of Fetzer under Brown-Forman. Some years ago he left and started several different ventures, primarily getting Parducci Winery (in partnership with a Mendocino family). He also owns several notable Mendo vineyard holdings---some of his prime Zinfandel and Cabernet vineyards are up in the highly regarded red dirt highlands on the eastern slope of the Redwood Valley.

He has several labels outside of Parducci. One that has gotten raves is True Grit, a pretty robust Syrah.

He's a pretty big force up in Mendo, in many ways. He's also still very much into organic/sustainable/bio farming.

Paul Dolan for many years was the head winemaker at Fetzer; then, later President of Fetzer under Brown-Forman. Some years ago he left and started several different ventures, primarily getting Parducci Winery (in partnership with a Mendocino family). He also owns several notable Mendo vineyard holdings---some of his prime Zinfandel and Cabernet vineyards are up in the highly regarded red dirt highlands on the eastern slope of the Redwood Valley.

He has several labels outside of Parducci. One that has gotten raves is True Grit, a pretty robust Syrah.

He's a pretty big force up in Mendo, in many ways. He's also still very much into organic/sustainable/bio farming.

Knowledgeable and a good memory, damn Hoke thanks for info, some of it I'm ashamed to say I forgot. Although I haven't run into Paul for many years.

Paul Dolan for many years was the head winemaker at Fetzer; then, later President of Fetzer under Brown-Forman. Some years ago he left and started several different ventures, primarily getting Parducci Winery (in partnership with a Mendocino family). He also owns several notable Mendo vineyard holdings---some of his prime Zinfandel and Cabernet vineyards are up in the highly regarded red dirt highlands on the eastern slope of the Redwood Valley.

He has several labels outside of Parducci. One that has gotten raves is True Grit, a pretty robust Syrah.

He's a pretty big force up in Mendo, in many ways. He's also still very much into organic/sustainable/bio farming.

Knowledgeable and a good memory, damn Hoke thanks for info, some of it I'm ashamed to say I forgot. Although I haven't run into Paul for many years.

I'm just trying to emulate my mentor and idol, the legendary Jason Brandt Lewis.

Paul Dolan for many years was the head winemaker at Fetzer; then, later President of Fetzer under Brown-Forman. Some years ago he left and started several different ventures, primarily getting Parducci Winery (in partnership with a Mendocino family). He also owns several notable Mendo vineyard holdings---some of his prime Zinfandel and Cabernet vineyards are up in the highly regarded red dirt highlands on the eastern slope of the Redwood Valley.

He has several labels outside of Parducci. One that has gotten raves is True Grit, a pretty robust Syrah.

He's a pretty big force up in Mendo, in many ways. He's also still very much into organic/sustainable/bio farming.

Knowledgeable and a good memory, damn Hoke thanks for info, some of it I'm ashamed to say I forgot. Although I haven't run into Paul for many years.

I'm just trying to emulate my mentor and idol, the legendary Jason Brandt Lewis.

Who is Jason what's his name? Oh, how soon we are forgotten!

I'm just trying to emulate my mentor and idol, the legendary Jason Brandt Lewis.

You'd best get to work on the hair then, Hoke. '

Mark Lipton

I'm just trying to emulate my mentor and idol, the legendary Jason Brandt Lewis.

You'd best get to work on the hair then, Hoke. '

Mark Lipton

Definitely retrograde there, Mark.

(Although I have suspicions JBL is using a weave.)

I'm just trying to emulate my mentor and idol, the legendary Jason Brandt Lewis.

You'd best get to work on the hair then, Hoke. '

Mark Lipton

Definitely retrograde there, Mark.

(Although I have suspicions JBL is using a weave.)

Hey, when Kane gets here in a few weeks Florida Jim, Alan Bree, and myself will corner JBL and once in for all we will see if his hair is real???
Hey Hoke, Lipton's remarks from the peanut galley are getting a little obtrusive considering that they emanate from a FLY OVER state.

Hey Hoke, Lipton's remarks from the peanut galley are getting a little obtrusive considering that they emanate from a FLY OVER state.

Pffft. Lou, given my travels of the last month, New Jersey should now be considered a flyover state! (cf. Saul Steinberg's classic New Yorker cover)

Mark Lipton (en route to Midtown yet again)