St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel 2008

photo by Shirley

When it comes to California red wines, I would guess that most wine drinkers think of their Cabernet Sauvignon, but I always think of their Petite Sirah and their Zinfandel.  Up until the last four years, Zinfandel was not in my vocabulary.  That may be because of the few female friends who drank only White Zin.   After tasting the White Zin once, Zinfandels became off limits.   Wish I knew better back then, but now I am a Zinoholic.
What I like in Zin is a very smooth mouth feel and lots of plum and blackberry and this is what I got with the St. Francis Sonoma County "Old Vines" Zinfandel 2008. ($19) 
Color was a deep dark red with aromas of blackberry, licorice and plum.  On the palate I found lots of blackberry with hints of leather, black cherry and black currant with just a tad of pepper.  The finish was very smooth, lots of berry and black plum and very long. 
I opened this wine with grilled steaks, served with grilled peppers and mushrooms.   While the steaks were on the grill, I thoroughly enjoyed this wine while munching on the grilled mushrooms.  This wine climbs to the top of my favorite Zins.  Highly Recommended!