Over the next couple of days I'll look at a few red wines from Locatelli Vineatrds & Winery in Paso Robles. They are a family operation, having been founded by Louis Gregory, the Great Grandson of an Italian Immigrant with a long wine making tradition, and his wife Raynette. Additionally they're also boutique winery that makes small lots of handcrafted wines. Their offerings are a combination of blends and varietal bottlings. I'll take at wine from each of those categories.
Locatelli Vineyards & Winery 2006 Old Vine Zinfandel was sourced from Ranchita Canyon Vineyard. A small amount of Petite Sirah was also blended in. 60 Cases of this Estate wine were produced and it sells for $22.
Both bright and dark berry notes along with vanilla and an underlying touch of cotton candy fill the nose of this wine. From the first sip onward black cherry is one of the dominant flavors in this Zinfandel. A ton of white pepper and other assorted and more subtle spice notes emerge on the mid-palate and carry through to the finish. That finish, which is of above average length features some earthiness and a touch of cedar.
This offering is a classic example of Old Vine Zinfandel. Deep, dark fruit, brambly earth notes and lots of spice. It has an intense, persistent palate and a terrific finish. It's also a smooth wine with no rough edges at all on it. Despite alcohol well over 15% this wine doesn't drink hot at all. Modestly priced at $22, and limited to 60 cases, if you love Zinfandel this is one to grab before it's gone. I happen to believe that Zinfandel is one of the varietals that Paso Robles is most notable for. That said, this is a particularly terrific rendition.
Coming Up: Two more releases from Locatelli Vineyards & Winery.
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