Zinfandel in Washington?

You don't say.

But Zin is California's grape. Isn't it? Turns out a few regions in Washington are looking to grow Zinfandel. I read this happy news in winepressnw.

Wine of the Day

Zinfandel.

Somehow we ended up with a bottle of Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve '05 Zin and I have to say I've quite enjoyed it. This award-winning wine is a bargain, really, at only $11 per bottle at Safeway and $16 online at the K-J website.

Why hadn't we really ever bothered with Zinfandels before? Because it doesn't grow here in Washington. The tasting rooms we frequent are mainly near Leavenworth, WA and Woodinville, WA. Clearly, we need to get out more.

While this one is a blend of Zinfandel, Pinot Meunier, Petite Syrah, and Syrah, the Zin certainly shines through. This light and young tasting wine has hints of cedar, blackberry and plum with a nice spicy zing at the finish. Drinkable on its own, I definitely wouldn't mind having it with a nice, big dish of gnocchi with pomodoro sauce.

Two thumbs up.