Seghesio Zinfandel: 2003 Sonoma County Old Vine

While many of you may have heard of Seghesio’s newest release, a 2007 Sonoma County Zinfandel that was ranked 10th out of 100 on Wine Spectator’s best wines of 2008 (93 points and 24 bucks), I stumbled across a 2003 Sonoma County zin in the bargain bin of a wine shop in Indianapolis.

I have heard very little buzz around the ’03 and I’m very interested to see if the Seghesio pedigree holds true for the slightly older vintages.

Having a relatively subtle appearance, this bad boy weighed in at 15.3% alcohol, forcing it to compete in the super-heavyweight division.  Never one to shy away from a good scrap, I waded right in with a corkscrew in one hand and a decanter in the other.

Round 1: The last thing I saw was legs
This dark, dark garnet-colored wine had some of the thickest legs that I’ve seen on a wine in some time.  I knew that I was going to get pummeled, I just hadn’t realized quite how badly.

Round 2: How a 2003 Seghesio almost broke my nose
Blackberries and black licorice dominate the nose on this wine.  Both are very subtle and deep, leading one to believe that this zin has experience and age.  Definitely an old, old vine zinfandel, the complexity and depth of the nose really show off the high concentration that these low-yield old vines can produce.

Round 3: TKO.
Subtle black currant, coffee and smoky figs are the predominate flavors.  The Seghesio presents itself as a well-balanced fighter that can hold the course…all the way to the finish.

This is one of the best bottles that I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying in quite some time.  Keep your eyes open, and maybe you too can find a hidden gem

Thanks,
Ryan

PS – If you’re in the Cincinnati area and you do find some little treasure (and feel like sharing), please post a comment!