Zin-zanity

Below is a copy of one of our Newsletter for my wine club, PRIME CRU.  PRIME CRU is a wine club I created at Island Prime Restaurant in San Diego, where we turn our guests on to special values only available through the PRIME CRU. We also offer tastings, wine sales and special seminars. You can see some of the seminars on the Seminars Page.

go to: http://www.islandprime.com and click on the PRIME CRU logo to join.

Frank Family Zinfandel

What do you get  when you mix Mickey Mouse with the king of buttery Chardonnays?  That’s right, Frank Family Vineyards.  Frank Family was created in 1992 by Rich Frank, a Disney Executive and Kroener Rombauer of the famous Rombauer Vineyards.  This joint effort took place at  the old Larkmeade Winery in Napa Valley.  In 2007, Rich Frank bought out Kroener and now he and his wife Connie have full control.

Zinfandels are known for their fruit forward, sometimes jammy, with spicy pepper notes and full body. However, they also tend to get too alcoholic.  They can get as high as 17-18% alcohol. When I came across the Frank Family Zin, I thought for sure it would just be another monolithic Zin with fruit and flabbiness.  Boy, was I wrong.  This wine is an elegant Zinfandel.

Todd Graff, winemaker, has taken full advantage of the spectacular 2007 vintage. He has received optimal ripeness with good acid levels.  This Zinfandel retains all the fruitiness and juiciness Zin lovers are seeking without the headache.  He has kept alcohol levels at a 15% without losing body.  The initial black fruit aromas are backed by a peppery-floral perfume.  There is a rounded velvety texture and finally finished with a mouthwatering long lasting finish. Those of you who bought the 2006 at our last wine sale are in for a huge surprise, the 2007 is stellar!

Retail $25       PRIME CRU $18

Groom Zinfandel

Our second selection comes from thousands of miles away.
150 years ago California planted the Croatian Zinfandel grape and became the “Zin King”. Australia is now next in line to continue the evolution of Zinfandel.  Groom “Bush Block” Zinfandel is a product of the Barossa Valley in Australia.  Barossa has always been the Shiraz “hot spot”; the thick skinned grape does extremely  well in this hot climate.  The Bush Block Zinfandel gets its name from the old vines grown head-trained, which look like bushes.  This method of planting gives optimal quality with low yields.

The Groom Zinfandel is a medium to full body wine, has a red fruit and sweet sundried raisin aroma.  In the mouth you get a zesty spiciness with raspberry fruits, and finishes with a dry cocoa spice.

Owner and winemaker, Darryl Groom; who now recides in California, is the mastermind behind planting this hot climate grape in the optimal Kalimina Vineyard.  He was senior winemaker for Penfolds Winery, and over saw all the different cuvees, including the Grange.  He has recieved winemaker of the year from many publications including, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Los Angeles Times and the Quarterly Review for Wines. Enough about Darryl, he also has great team behind him, his wife Lisa and his vineyard manager, David Marschall.  Together they’ve created a team whose focus has been making California style wines in the land of OZ.

Retail $25       PRIME CRU $15