ZAP Wines

Today was the annual ZAP Zinfandel tasting in San Francisco. Larry and I volunteer for the event every year, but since it's a series of events, we work Thursdays so we're free to taste on Saturday. This year, we worked all day Saturday, so we didn't have a lot of time to taste.

Best of Show: Valdez Family Winery Rockpile Zinfandel. He was pouring a barrel sample that won't be released until 2006, but it's already fantastic. High in alcohol but didn't taste hot. Really jammy and lush. The owner of Rockpile Vineyard was pouring at their booth.

Best in Herbst Pavillion: Gamba Estate Zinfandel. Like a cherry bomb, with coffee undertones. We had this at the ZAp reception a few weeks ago, but it wasn't the final blend.

Other nice wines: Fred's Hands, Charter Oak Monte Rosso (expensive but really excellent), Tin Barn, Copain Arrowhead Zin, Amphora Mounts Vineyard (the grower was pouring side-by-side with the winemaker - how nice).