2005 Limerick Lane Zinfandel "Collins Vineyard"

The winery and Collins Vineyard are located on the southern edge of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California. Mike Collins, who has been farming the land here for nearly 30 years, owns the winery and vineyard. The vineyard dates back to 1910 and there are some vines from that era still in production!

Winemaker's tasting notes: Dark ruby red colors lead to aromas of red fruit, raspberry, cinnamon, vanilla and barrel char. The palette follows the nose with flavors of raspberry, red currant, vanilla, warm brown spice and white pepper. A beautifully balanced wine with a bold red fruit entry, rich and elegant but not overwhelming. A secure and well structured middle with supple tannins and a spicy, fruity finish. A magnificent example of the restrained use of oak. Another in a long line of food friendly Zinfandels from one of Sonoma County's premier producers.

Food and Wine Magazine's Wine Guide for 2008 gave Limerick Lane 2005 Collins Vineyard Zinfandel 4 out of 4 stars and ranked it in the Top Five Best of the Best. "A superbly balanced, elegant Zinfandel with a deep, earthy minerality rounded out by ripe juicy, fruit and peppery spice."

We served this wine with Chicken Cacciatore and a salad. It is an excellent example of Sonoma County Zinfandel.