Tonight, Jean prepared a new batch of jerk sauce, so we made a batch of jerk chicken. Jean wanted a chilled Zinfandel with it, so I settled on:
2005 Bella Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel (14.2% ABV) nose: tarry, pencil lead, blackberry palate: smooth tannins, decent acidity, oaky sheen
This wine was purchased at the winery several years ago after Hoke Harden had recommended it as a source of relatively non-spoofy wines in Sonoma. Very good, straightforward Zin with less oak influence than most Ridge offerings. It could probably go a few more years, but it's quite fine to drink right now.
Mark Lipton