I've never had anything good to say about Tobin James wines, so this will surprise a few people, but a friend opened this Paso Robles (California) zinfandel from a winery infamous for unabashed ripe flavors and high alcohol levels to serve with BBQ ribs last night, and I liked it.
Deep red color, not purple at all, with soft red and berry fruit. I didn't have the opportunity to examine the bottle for alcohol content, but the alcohol heat I presume was there in youth was nonexistent now. The tannins were completely resolved, and there was just enough acidity to keep the wine from being flat. Not a lot of spice or complexity, but overall a very pleasant wine experience. I'd have never guessed a Tobin James wine could have lasted this long.
