Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The October Zinfandel of the Month is the 2011 Angel Vine Zinfandel Columbia Valley.
Angel Vine owners Ed and Laureen Fus moved their family to Oregon in 1997 to pursue their dream of farming a vineyard. The Three Angels Vineyard (named after Laureen and their two daughters) is located in Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills and produces Pinot Noir used by several local wineries. Ed eventually decided to make his own wine focusing on single vineyard Zinfandel (see my previous notes on three of them ), with grapes sourced from Washington. They also produce a Zinfandel blend, Petite Sirah and Primitivo.
The Columbia Valley Zinfandel is ruby red in color and checks in at 15.1% ABV. 98% Zinfandel and 2% Petite Sirah. Zinfandel from Alder Ridge, Avery and StoneTree vineyards. The Petite Sirah is also from StoneTree Vineyard. Black fruits, licorice, grilled meats and pepper on the nose. Rich fruit and borderline jammy. Raspberries, maraschino cherries, white pepper and touch of bittersweet chocolate on the palate. Long, lean finish. Drink over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 90 points.
This is the entry level Zinfandel from Angel Vine and it is a great value at $18. Washington Zinfandel is a work in progress and this wine is clearly a step in the right direction.
If you enjoyed this post please consider subscribing to Zinfandel Chronicles updates by email.
Based on your post, I went in search of this wine. Your description was on the mark. My wife doesn’t enjoy red wine and she enjoyed a glass. I hope my friends to the north find a place for more Zinfandel in their climate.
Thanks Brad. You’ll really enjoy the single vineyard wines as well from Angel Vine if you happen across them.