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This smells intense out of the bottle, with a smoky twang, dried bay leaf, chamomile, and subtly integrated oak all wrapped in gauzy strawberry fruit. A touch soft in the mouth, this is nonetheless very smooth and clear with classic briary, brambly black berry and black raspberry fruit that is really juicy tasting. The back end lightens considerably and shows the pretty side of this wine, all clear red fruits and well judged oak with great fruit persistence. The finish is almost citrussy with its show of acidity, so this must just have so much stuffing. Perhaps a hint of RS that it only appears to be soft. Nicely done though.

“Let me be blunt: I hate it when people say they don’t like rosé. Yes, I understand that white Zinfandel is not respectable, folks, but on the whole, rosés are some of the best, most food-friendly wines around. The Dashe Vin Gris, a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel, will make you repent for all those years of hating pink. It tastes exactly like wild Norwegian strawberries. Who doesn’t like that?”

Zinfandel, with its luscious berry fruit, soft tannins and succulent acids, can be the perfect addition to one’s Thanksgiving table in a sort of Rodney Dangerfield kind of way. The wines tend to be loud, brash and a bit rude, and they generally don’t get no respect!

Well, it’s time to respect the Zin. Zinfandel is not just one style of wine. In fact, most producers have reigned in the excesses of the past and are now producing Zins that are balanced and, dare I say it? Almost elegant! So don’t be afraid to stock up for the holidays with some of your favorites!