2007 Joseph Swan Mancini Ranch Zinfandel

Made from vines planted in 1924. Russian River Valley, CA. 14.1% abv. This was so good! IWC gave it 91 points and Wine Enthusiast rated it 90 points but I would up that to 93 or 94. Deep purple color and opaque. Blackberries shine in a spicy sauce. Soft wood notes float in the background but are unobtrusive. Rich and silky for a Zin. Enough elegance to pair with a number of different proteins. I liked pairing it with pork chop. I liked this so much better than the 2006 Joseph Swan Trenton Station--Lion Ridge Zinfandel I opened last summer. I still think that may have been a faulty bottle or maybe it just aged more quickly.

I have one bottle of the 2006 I was wondering when to drink. Seems from your notes on the 07 it'd be perfecto now.

I opened a bottle of '06 Mancini Ranch a year ago. It's ready, but there's no hurry in my mind. '07 vintage in the Russian River Valley was a bit riper than the '06, and seems to have developed a little quicker.
Here's my usual terse note on the '06: Good Zin. A bit on the sharp (acidic) side, which actually brings out the cherries and blackberries earlier in the mouth. I'm happy to have a few more. I think it'll hold for several years. Classic style. 14.9% alcohol
I haven't opened an '07 Mancini yet. I should probably get a Round Tuit.

[Jenise]

Rod's zins set a standard for what zin can be, don't they? Love tasting at the winery, where one can experience the individual assets of each vineyard.

They do indeed, Jenise. To say nothing of his PNs.
And Cody turned out to be a heck of a salesman, as well as keeping up the website and whatever.

Joseph Swan Syrahs are mighty fine too. And the first time I visited the winery I ordered a bottle of the Mourvedre but it got broken by an acquaintance prior to consumption. I think normally it is only available at the winery.

Last Swan mourvedre I had was an '06, a couple of years ago. I have no idea why I have no more in my cellar. I liked it a lot!