90+ 2004 Brochelle Paso Robles Zinfandel 1/20/07 ($30)
15.6% alc
Color: Medium deep garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Very ripe figs and plums with some prune and tart Zinberry thrown in. Also some milk-chocolaty oak and a hint of heat. Could be richer, but young. (3.0) Body: Excellent fruit and acidity. A solid middleweight with a slight alcohol edge at present, but should integrate with time. Rich, silky mouthfeel. (3.0) Flavor: Rich fruit that is very ripe and multidimensional. Plum, fig, Zinberry and oak intermingle, giving a sense of complexity. Delicious. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor, but a little leaner with a touch of bitter alcohol returning. Also some chalky acidity. (3.0)
Overall: Delicious and a fine example of Paso Robles Zin. Very similar to the 2003, but maybe a little more on the over-ripe side. This should integrate and put on a little weight in the next year or two. The ’03 seemed a bit more focused at this point in its development. I also prefer the style of the ’04 Ridge Paso Robles, which I tasted recently (not over-ripe and even more complex). 1,160 cases made. (15.5)