I love Russian River Zin!

*Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from J. Keverson Winery.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I adore adore adore Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, it is after all my first love, but more and more I’m loving the Zins I get from the Russian River Valley. I love DCV Zins for the punch in the face, the big blackberries, the jam, etc. Russian River Valley Zins are, in my experience, just a bit more on the juicy side, with spices, and tarter fruits, a different style if you will.  Tonight I chose the 2007 J. Keverson Russian River Valley Alton Lane Vineyard Zinfandel. It had  real cork closure, clocked in at 15.5% alcohol by volume, and retails for $35.

On the nose I found spice, anise, cinnamon, blackberry, pepper, black currants, and cedar. The nose displayed tons of spice, like I dipped my nose into the spice rack.  In the mouth I found blackberry, black currants, spice, cinnamon, pepper, tart fruit, and a peppery kick at the finish. Without looking at the label, I never would have guessed the wine was 15.5% alcohol by volume. This had it all going on with structure and acidity and very well integrated alcohol content. If I’ve been a good girl, maybe Santa will bring me some for Christmas.