March 27, 2012 – Wine: 2006 Hendry Zinfandel Block 28

This turns out to be one of the good wines that emerged from the 2006 vintage.  When I tasted this wine at the winery, I could tell it had a sense of elegance to it.  But, in 2011, it turned very tannic, so I let it rest.  Keeping in mind its tannic nature, I decanted this bottle for 90 minutes.  Now, the tannins, while still present, are mellowing and the fruit that emerges is delightful.  There are notes of cranberry and sour cherry, along with mineral and some white pepper.  The nose is nice now, although it is still slightly restrained.  The finish lasts long enough to enjoy this wine slowly.  Both elegant and structured, I would describe this wine as a cab-drinker’s zin.