2007 Radio Coteau Von Weidlich Zinfandel

I know, this is the site for Bedrock Wine Co..  However, I just have to mention what is maybe the best Zinfandel I have tasted from California in a long-time.  For many, the wines of Radio Coteau need absolutely no introduction.  However, the lone Zinfandel in the portfolio, often gets overlooked.

The 2007, from an old vine vineyard called Von Weidlich, on the ridge above Occidental (yes, cool, cool, climate), is absolutely jaw-dropping.  It is nervy, precise, elegant, dense, and downright sexy.  It shows a rare, perfect, equilibrium between ripeness, verve, brightness, and oak.  I could drink too much of this too easily, and it should have a remarkably long life for California Zin.  I served a perhaps too youthful bottle with butter-poached prime-rib, horseradish creme fraiche, yam puree, and pan roasted brussel sprouts, on Friday for my mom’s birthday, and it was a marvel.

The 2007 is unfortunately the last year Eric Sussman will get the fruit, but it certainly is the exclamation point on what has been a remarkable run of great wines from a great vineyard.

Also, if you want a good comparison of winemaking styles, try the Von Weidlich from Radio Coteau to that of Ottomino.  It is a good lesson in what a big factor oak choice can be.