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Wine Recommendation
Chiarito Vineyard
2004 Zinfandel(Mendocino)
John Chiarito came to my attention by word of mouth – thanks to an artist from a different profession, Mendocino piano master Stewart Spencer. I got the wines without expectation and tasted them blind. The results were impressive. Chiarito grows his fruit on the benchlands of eastern Ukiah Valley, which locals refer to as “the bathtub ring” above the valley floor. That basin is filled with Chardonnay that goes into bargain brands for KJ and Napa names. The ring is where the action is for reds, and Chiarito has found a good spot.
This Zinfandel brings the grape’s black-fruit profile, adding licorice and dark toast to blackberry and cherry flavors. In your mouth the wine delivers the natural brambly complexity and aliveness we love in Zin. Chiarito has also structured it for a fruit-filled but balanced entry on the front end, and a really nice expansion and lift into the aftertaste. Definitely a wine – and a label – to watch.
Reviewed October 4, 2006 by Thom Elkjer.
Other reviewed wines from Chiarito Vineyard
The Wine
Winery: Chiarito Vineyard |
The Reviewer
Thom Elkjer
Thom Elkjer has been reviewing wines professionally for more than ten years. He has contributed to Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, served as Wine Editor for Wine Country Living and is Wine Editor for WineCountry.Com. He also writes for newspapers and magazines in the U.S. and Europe and judges at major international wine competitions. |