Fortune smiled upon me a few weeks ago when I had the opportunity to try the 2006 Nick DeRose, Sr. Zinfandel ($26) from DeRose Vineyards.  Having sampled several other wines from DeRose, including another incredible zinfandel, and I think this is one of their best.  The 2006 vintage is a tribute bottling to the late Nick DeRose, Sr.,  whose influence and guidance has helped make his family’s wines what they are today.

The DeRose vineyards are located in one of the best locations for growing zinfandel – California’s Cienega Valley.  Located high in the Gabilan mountains about 25 miles east of Monterey Bay, the vineyards are sheltered from the cool Pacific breezes on the west and the intense summer heat of the San Joaquin Valley to the east.  Here the grapes enjoy warm, sunny days, developing their rich color and flavors.  Cool nights let the grapes rest, helping them retain the much needed acidity to balance out these powerful wines.

Nick’s vintage is created from four blocks of estate grown fruit.  A small six-acre parcel planted in the early 1980′s provides the backbone for the blend and three other blocks of dry farmed “old vines,” originally planted in the late 1890′s, give this zinfandel its depth and intensity.

Tasting Notes:

This bold, full-bodied zinfandel is a fitting metaphor for Nick DeRose’s bold and charismatic personality.  Bold fragrances of blackberries and spicy black cherries filled the room when the first glass was poured.  Swirling the seductive scarlet and purple wine revealed long, silky “legs” coating the inside of the glass, preparing you for the sensory experience ahead.  The flavors are equally as bold and intense as the aromas.  Briary raspberries and blackberries blend together seamlessly with hints of dark cherry and freshly ground black pepper. All of these rich aromas and flavors are masterfully balanced with wine’s the lofty alcohol content (16.4% ABV), leaving you with a long-lasting finish of exotic spices and soft tannins.