The Windmill 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced in Lodi California. Windmill is a sub-label of the Michael David family of wines. In addition to Zinfandel some Petite Sirah was blended into this offering. Barrel aging was accomplished over 12 months in American oak. This is a nationally available Zinfandel that has a suggested retail price of $12.
Raspberry, strawberry and black cherry jam aromas come together to form an enticing nose. A bit of vanilla bean and hint of crème fraiche are present as well. The palate of this Zinfandel is loaded with zippy red fruit flavors. Cherry, raspberry, plum and strawberry are all accounted for. White pepper, cardamom and anise are the most prominent of a host of spices that accompany the fresh, bright and vibrant fruit flavors. Rhubarb and cranberry flavors emerge on the finish which has more than reasonable length for its category.
It’s nice to see a widely available Zinfandel in this price category that is balanced and proportionate. Often times Zinfandel that is priced for everyday consumption is either out of balance, overly sweet in impression, or both. The 2010 Windmill Zin is not. What this Zinfandel represents however is a wine you may want to consider a case purchase of to keep around as a house wine. I imagine you’ll be as you’ll be just as happy drinking it alongside a burger off of your grill as you would with a dish of pasta. Drink it over the next two years to get the most of the fresh and eager fruit flavors it possesses.