Tin Barn Zinfandel Russian River Valley Gilsson Vineyards`09 **** sample #WBC11

I ♥ Tin Barn Vineyards. In July, at the WBC11 "Meet the Sponsors" Reception, I tasted their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc.  It was bright (citrus) with a fresh acid "clean" taste; refreshing and good.

Tin Barn is a Napa/Sonoma/Russian River Valley producer, that puts the growers at the forefront of their product, and it shows.  The use 100% varietals (excepting their Cabernet blend) showcasing the land, climate and grapes.  I was impressed with the Sauvignon Blanc, made some notes and grabbed a post card. Back at my hotel room, I happily dug into my "Swag Bag" and found a half bottle of their `09 Russian River Zinfandel.  I read a rumor that Tin Barn produced these bottles for WBC11, and if that us true, well, then I ♥ them even more.

The day after the conference, I spent a night at Colonial Williamsburg, where I met a friend from the conference, WineBizNews's Barbara Keck who also writes Mountain High Wines and "Wine Adventures" at The Tahoe Weekly.  We had a delicious dinner at the Kings Arms Tavern, then we had an end of evening glass of wine back at the parlor of the Chiswell-Bucktrout House.

Barbara brought out her half bottle of the Tin Barn Zinfandel Russian River Valley Gilsson Vineyards`09 (and she styled the photo on the left), we toasted a good dinner, great conference and new friends.

A half bottle of wine is PERFECT for two people who just want to share a drink at the end of an evening.  It is a rich zinfandel, (15.7 % ETOH) with a deep, dry blackberry taste.  Good for sipping and I was imagining what it would be like with food.

Cut to September, 2011.  JPH and S. are off on a second honeymoon; MEH and I are holding down the fort. We planned the menu for the week, and on our "Steak Night" I decided that I would indulge myself with the Tin Barn Zinfandel.  It was delicious paired with our grilled tri-tip steak, mushroom gnocchi, salad and mini eclairs (ok, not so much with the mini-eclairs.  DO NOT pair Zinfandel with custard desserts - you can't say I didn't warn you!).

I didn't decant the wine, but I did swirl it  a lot; over the course of the evening - from dinner to the post dinner Dr. Who episode, I carried around my glass & the half bottle and enjoyed every drop.

Blackberries.  Intense, fruity blackberries, very few tannins and a long fruity finish. I love the concept of a half bottle, and I am so happy that this wine is delicious and full of flavor. This was yet another great thing to come out of WBC11.  I'm already signed up for WBC12 . Tin Barn, I hope you'll be there too!

Artesa Chardonnay `10 $15.00 #wbc11 liveblog

This is just me saying YES.  I will be writing an in-depth review about Artesa from California in the next few weeks.  I am smitten with their Pinot Noir, and I really like this Chardonnay, it is a GREAT food wine, but is also a sipping wine.  It is versatile, and has a clean undercurrent that is slightly acidic.  It just works.

Shindig White Vidal Blanc/Riesling `10 $15.99 #wbc11 live blog

Finger Lakes NY:  My marketing ROCKSTAR what a great personality.  Now I'll try his wine.

90% Vidal Blanc.  This is styled for sushi.  Just grab a bottle and go for it.  Andrew Stover

Now I want Sushi and a bottle to bring home.

Williamsburg Winery Chardonnay Act XII `09 $14.00 *** #wbc11 live blog

Matthew Meyer our winemaker. 1500 Cases, Elana poured.  They sell in NY and the UK!

Chardonnay in the Burgundian Tradition. Fresh, bright, slight effervescence and has a great history behind it.

I'd serve it with fish with a cream sauce.
http://www.williamsburgwinery.com/