WTN: 2006 Edmeades Mendocino County Zinfandel

Purchased for a few cents under $20 in Michigan.

Solid, natural cork closure. Ripe, forward and oaky immediately upon opening. Attractive, medium-clear garnet colour; quite translucent and viscous-looking with thick, brooding legs. 15.5% alc./vol. and quite obviously so: rather "fumey" upon swirling, giving a pretty ripe-fruit / oak-vanillin interplay. Thick, viscous and sweet on the entry, with gentle acidity, good structure, and lots of alcohol. Lots of wood tannin on the aft-palate; spicy oak right into the finish and throughout it. Warm and port-like in many ways.

It's a bruiser, but otherwise an altogether well made and tasty Zin.

I had this with spicy beef stew, though I'm finding it to actually be more enjoyable after supper than with it; the alcohol level being the main reason.

This gave me a crazy histamine headache after only two glasses.

Still, the wine is wonderfully integrated today, on day two.

Thanks, Paul...if you thought this vintage was fumey, you should have tried the '05. One could have flambeed with it!

This gave me a crazy histamine headache after only two glasses.

I have noticed that my histamine headaches are more influenced by nature than the wine. At certain times of the year, I can drink anything with no ill effects. At others, any red wine and even occasionally whites will give me one heck of a headache.

I have noticed that my histamine headaches are more influenced by nature than the wine. At certain times of the year, I can drink anything with no ill effects. At others, any red wine and even occasionally whites will give me one heck of a headache.

Yup, that's very possible, as pollen season is in full swing up here now. Normally I have no problem with allergies, but the wine might have added just that tiny extra nudge for a combined effect.