Quick Sip: 2005 Soléna Wooldridge Creek Zinfandel - another for the "dont like" Merlot crowd

Soléna Wooldridge Creek Vineyard Zinfandel (2005)
Soléna Estate
Zinfandel 96% | Merlot 4%
Applegate Valley AVA, OR

The third warm weather varietal tasted at the Carlton, OR tasting room with Lynnette.

Appearance: Clear, medium garnet with purple at rim, clear

Nose: Clean, spice, pepper, dark fruit, black cherry, plum, chocolate, warm, dried fruit

Palate: Dry, full body, medium acidity, medium-high tannin (just a bit too grippy), medium-high alcohol, plum, blackberry, strawberry jam

You'll notice that this wine is the exact inverse of the Merlot I posted about yesterday. Since at least 90% is Zinfandel though the name can be listed on the bottle. Whereas I felt the Merlot was a bit too strong/hot/boisterous for it's own good, the Zin seems much more at home with these bolder characteristics and warmer alcohol levels.

Cheers!