Classic Amador Zinfandel
Fair warning: Cooper Vineyards is my absolute favorite all-around winery. They've been our longest-running wine club, and I consider their family and workers close friends of ours. Known particularly for their legendary Barbera grapes, Cooper also has many acres of Zinfandel vines right on their main estate. This vintage is one of those estate releases, showcasing the local terroir as well as the skills of both founder Dick Cooper and winemaker Mike Roser.
The nose evokes deep, dark blackberry paired with pepper spice, balancing the two notes nicely. On the medium-bodied palate, the fruit takes a backseat to the pepper as nice tannins come into the picture. The medium finish lets the tannins soften and stretch out the spice.
The tannins add nice depth and complexity to this vintage without being overpowering. This is a classic example of Amador County Zinfandel, wonderful from start to finish. The vintage is perfect on its own or paired with a nice meal, and there's no doubt why Cooper is one of the most respected wineries in the region!
