2006 Titus Napa Valley Zinfandel

The 2006 Titus Napa Valley Zinfandel is composed of 86% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah grapes grown in the Titus family vineyard on the Silverado Trail just north of St. Helena. The 30+ year-old vines are planted on St. George rootstock and grown without irrigation or “dry-farmed”. The wine is barrel aged for 16 months in 100% American Oak (20% new barrels).

On the nose I get loads of Smuckers blackberry jam, cassis, oak, and a hint of alcohol that regrettably registers. The ripe blackberry and cassis aromas translate onto the palate and there is also a hint of chocolate too.

This Zin is the type of wine that smells one way but tastes completely different. From the aromas you would expect a jammy or fruity style Zinfandel, but it is actually quite big, powerful, and spicy. There is some pretty intense black fruit but what concerns me is the lack of texture and finesse and the alcohol on the finish. You also have to look at QPR when you're talking about this Zin, because it's really not cheap at $28. I think you can easily find this type of wine in the fifteen to twenty dollar range. 86-87 points

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