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Valravn Zinfandel (Sonoma) 2017

 


First impression is a subdued bouquet on an almost inky dark black cherry hue.  Loads of savory spices edge their way through the yet too cold wine brought up from my temp. controlled cellar. Cigar ash, with loads of Dark cranberry and minerals at the outset. 

Palate--Intense dark fruit with gentle tannins, a touch weak structure, rather simple, a fleeting finish.


This is a 20 megaton fruit bomb which a lot of wine people don't care for or at least they say they don't... (Insert snide looking smirk here) A super fruity, rich, uncomplicated wine seems to be anathema to some trying to be "wine aficionados."  I DO understand the legitimate sentiments on this point but they fail on the fact that that people like what they LIKE! I am confident that the majority of people who might taste a classic wine with some age on it would not want a second glass.  What I would say to give perspective is that a ton of people love Thomas Kinkade "art."  But to a "real" artist, Kinkade's works are on par with white Zinfandel.  BUT THAT'S A MATTER OF PREFERENCE so if you like Kinkade, buy Kinkade!  

Does that mean that one cannot learn to appreciate and indeed LOVE a more complex wine crafted over many centuries of family history, aged, and caressed and released with pride?  The paintings of Monét for example are lovely to behold over and over again and yet Kinkade has some captivating works with his unique way of capturing light.  But Kinkade will never come close to commanding the prestige of a Monet for a reason.  But why put a Monét (a copy of course) in your home if you love Kinkade's style?  That would be silly.  

I have been studying wine since the mid 70's and have tasted untold hundreds/thousands? over that time and I like what I like.  My very best wine to date was a 1996 Chateau Leoville las Cases costing around $350.  It was surreal with multiple layers of emerging aromas, a texture that defies explanation and flavors that change with each sip. But I LOVE Zinfandel, which may run you around $50 for the best and that would be unusual.  And I can't afford that for a bottle of wine so...  I love a good fruit bomb!  And I love a 45 year old Oporto. Buy what you like, drink what you like--end of story!

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