Four Vines Zinfandel - Dusi 2005

Zinfandel / California
$28-$33 / 90 points

I have been hearing great things lately about Amador County wines. I have had no less then seven e-mails this week chastising me for not investigating this up and coming area 45 miles southeast of Sacramento. Being a Zin lover, I did not need much additional prompting.

Four Vines Vineyard has been getting lots of critical acclaim. Founder Christian Tietje is a self proclaimed hedonist and former chef from Boston. With two partners he has greatly increased the capacity of this growing winery, without sacrificing any quality. With fifteen different wines, he and his partners are kept busy. After tasting his Dusi Zinfandel, I think they will only get busier.

The wine pours a medium ruby typical of a California Zin. Aromas of Red Fruit with a bit of mint and menthol. The wine is medium bodied with generous red brier fruit, cherry, spice with a bit of anise and menthol on the finish. The tannins are well integrated making this wine easy to drink. This wine has good structure and will cellar for two or three years without any issues. Good finish, not too long, but pleasant. This would be a great wine with hearty fare like stew, pasta or braised beef.

There were less then 500 cases of this wine produced. You should call around to your favorite wine store to see if they carry it. In the DC area, it is carried by Pearson's at 2436 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, D.C. It is on sale for $23 per bottle. At this price, back up the truck! Call ahead to check availability. At this price, it will go fast.

Pearson's / 202-333-6666