Wine: Peterson, Zinfandel, “Tradizionale” 2002
Added on: 06/20/2007
Notes: This Zin from one of my favorite Dry Creek wineries is a traditional “field blend” where other varletials are intermixed in the vineyard and fermented together. This practice dates from the 19th Century where Italian immigrants practiced techniques similar to their homeland. Over 90% of this blend is Zinfandel with Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, Carignane, Semillon, Palomino and Chasselas mixed in. The last three varieties are whites which is used to add aromatics and help extract color during fermentation from the red grapes. The Peterson’s like to season their reds with a fair amount of American oak but this wine seemed to have a lighter hand in this area; perhaps it’s also the age of the wine where the oak component is nicely integrated.
Tasting Notes:
Deep ruby in color with aromas of black raspberry, sage, vanilla and licorice. Well balanced bramble fruit with black pepper and spice finishing with moderate tannins. Very nice, old school Zin and a good value.
14.7% ABV
Natural cork closure
Score: 87
Comments:
Rating: 4
Yes, agreed. We generally like the more robust zins, from anywhere in the Sonoma area, but his one had a very respectable pedigree and our first bottle, just finished, was quite pleasant and sufficiently zinny for us. We found the robe to be visually pleasant although the nose was not as present as we like. Apparently the addition of the whites softens the overall palate, but we are not experts but noticed quite a difference from the zins that do not have whites added. A very nice change for us, and we will get some more *:-)
Glad you enjoyed this one… there is something hard to describe about a good, old vine Zinfandel field blend like Tradizionale. Something about the co-fermentation and addition of white varieties helps the aromas, color and complexity.
Thanks for your comment.