Thursday: TGIF Wine Tasting Preview

Starting, well, now, this blog will feature information about our TGIF wine tasting selections.*

BUEHLER VINEYARDS | 2008 NAPA VALLEY ZINFANDEL
Our Zinfandel was aged for 11 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, 20 percent of which were new. At this level of “new wood,” the up-front endearing quality of Zinfandel can assert itself. Aromas of a briar patch on a hot summer day carry over to the palate and are carried in a mouth-filling, flavorful, juicy package.

NEAL VINEYARDS | 2008 NAPA VALLEY ZINFANDEL
In this very true-to-character Zinfandel, you’ll find lovely aromas of raspberry liqueur, sweet vanilla oak, and spices. The wine is full of beautiful fruit: cherry candy, pomegranate and raspberry. The brambly fruit tones combined with the hints of pepper, spice and white chocolate provide complex layers of flavor as the acidity and tannin create a firm but pleasant structure (a result of the co-fermenting with a touch of Petite Syrah).

ROBERT BIALE | 2007 NAPA RANCHES ZINFANDEL
Blackish ruby in color, this Zinfandel exhibits plum and cherry preserves with lavender, pepper, allspice, vanilla and toast on its full-bodied, viscous and fleshy palate. Excellent balance and fine tannins. Napa Ranches is a top-notch Zinfandel blend sourced from Aldo's and Black Chicken in Napa, Old Crane in St. Helena, Stagnaro in Calistoga, and Priest Ranch above Chiles Valley. There's also a dollop of Petite Sirah, 18 percent, from Thomann Station in St. Helena.

*Our wine tastings are every Friday night, from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost is $25 to $35, depending on the number and type of wines we serve. The price always includes appetizers.