Folie a Deux Zinfandel

I believe that '03 was the last vintage overseen by Scott Harvey at Folie a Deux (before its purchase by Sutter Home). Scott has been one of the foremost advocates of Amador County Zinfandel for decades now, and he retained access to the Grandpere vineyard even after his departure from Renwood. I doubt that more recent Folie a Deux Zins will measure up to the one you had.

Can you give a few examples of this style? To me, the most Claret-like Zin I can think of is probably made by Storybook Mountain, but I happen to quite like it. Perhaps you're thinking of a different style, though.

Mark Lipton

I only recall having several different Zins at tastings in years past where they actually boasted of achieving a "claret" style, which I consider inappropriate for this grape. Unfortunately, my database of computer notes does not extend back that far. I do recall visiting the Folie a Deux winery over twenty years ago and liking their limited selection at that time, which I don't believe included Zinfandel.

Godzilla

For some reason I remember them always have Zin.

Amadour Zin to my memory from the beginning.

Our tastes in food, wine, coffee, art, music, etc. are highly individual conclusions. I readily admit that "One mans meat is another's poison." For example, many "experts" have long touted Schramsberg as being the ultimate expression of California Sparkling Wine making. Somehow, on the several occasions that I have had it, I didn't even find it enjoyable. My description would be "A mouthful of excess carbonation, with very little flavor elements."

Back in the days when I could afford it, I looked forward to our annual seeing in the New Year with a bottle of Roederer Crystal, which I considered the pinnacle of Champagne.

As for Zinfandel, I really did somersaults when I came across some HELLACIOUS ACRES 1998 Necromancer Zinfandel. Some others may gag at this style, and that is their right.

Drink to me only with thine eyes, -- etc. etc.

Godzilla

I agree that tastes are quite personal. Some of the folks I regularly taste (cue for rant from you know who)with have stylistic preferences quite opposed to my own, but I respect their tastes. Others I might agree with in some regions, and not others. That's why looking at a critic's points is pretty useless to me, while a combination of having an idea of palate convergence AND actually reading the notes might give one a clearer view.

Of course, beyond style, there are issues of quality, too. I've seen "Claret-styled" used as an euphemism for "anemic" - within all styles there are some wines that are better (for my tastes) than others.

Godzilla wrote:

I'm not a fan of any of these wines to date. They seem to embrace the worst of Zindandel and Cabernet and come out very harsh and unappealing to me even when Ridge does it.