I Got ZAPped!
Jan 28 '00
One of the great American wine tasting parties happens every January at Fort Mason in San Francisco, when 5500 wine lovers from around the world converge to attend the "ZAP" Zinfandel Advocates and Producers annual tasting. Eagerly awaiting this onslaught are 300 wineries pouring samples of over 500 of their current zinfandels as well as upcoming releases.
The stated mission of ZAP is:
"The Association of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) is a non-profit [501(c)(3)] organization. ZAP is dedicated to educating the public about the Zinfandel grape. It has a unique place in American culture and winemaking. Zinfandel's distinctive character and exceptional quality place it among the prominent wines of the world."
These people are serious about their grape. ZAP supports the development and maintenence of a zinfandel "Heritage Vineyard" at a University of California, Davis' Research Station in Napa Valley, containing 7 vines each from 63 different old vine Zinfandel vineyards.
The attendees of their annual tasting however, are serious about having a good time. As the ZAP Web page also notes, "ZAP supports the recognition of the Zinfandel grape as a national treasure." Treasure schmeasure. There are some gems to be found at this event, but on this day they're being targeted to line the attendees' kitchen wine racks, not being locked away in some sort of national wine vault.
The two purposes however do mix easily, as wine enthusiasts mingle and exchange tips on their favorite wines of the day, and ZAP builds up their non-profit coffers for another year of protecting and promoting their beloved grape.
For more information of ZAP, stop by their Web site at:
http://www.zinfandel.org/
This year's "2ThouZin" tasting is January 29, and a limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Some of my favorites from last year are noted below:
1996 Saddleback Napa Valley Old Vine - Dark, tooth-staining, hugely dense,
highly extracted plum fruit, toasty French oak. 94-95
1997 Bogle Winery Fiddletown - (BT) Dense, syrupy, Turley-esque, black cherry-berry, moderate charred oak, ample acid and more fruit on the LONG finish. This is the first wine I've tried from this winery, and I'm definitely going to try more. 93+
1997 Martinelli Russian River Valley Jackass Vineyard $30.00 - Dense and concentrated with grilled mushroom and vanilla, somewhat mushroomy character, licorice, coffee, toasty oak, good finish. A little rough now, I'm expecting it to get better once it settles into the bottle. Edges out the '96, but not the '95. 92-93+
1997 Steele Wines Mendocino DuPratt $24.00 - (BT) Good extraction and skin contact (spice, skin tannins), brambly berry fruit, good supporting acid and length, with a gentle dose of vanilla. Rivals the excellent '95. 92-93
1997 Howell Mountain Howell Mountain Black Sears Vineyards - (BT) High extract, dark fruit (slightly mushroomy), spice, pepper, long syrupy finish. 92
1997 Martinelli Russian River Valley Louisa and Guiseppe $25.00 - Ultra dark, black fruit, spice, brambly, lush finish with a touch of acid. 92
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Epinions.com ID:
JeffSullivan
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Member: Jeff Sullivan
Location: California Wine Country
Reviews written: 84
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