Zinfandel Tasting Notes

Sorry these come late!

The Zinfandel tasting was the best yet...Steve did not hold back and selected 10 top Zinfandels, which led to widespread reports of hangovers the next day. Here were the comments, as best as I can decipher my Zin-fluenced handwriting. I have also included the recipe for the rib sauce.

Enjoy!
Shannon

First flight
1. Cline Big Break, Contra Costa, 2004: $29.99
This was the sweetest of the flight and one member's favorite as it was mild enough to enjoy multiple glasses
Jammy, fig, peat, fresh grass, slight floral notes
2. Ravenswood Barricia Vineyard, Sonoma, 2004: ~$30
Favorite of one taster
Mouthwatering, port-like sweetness was seen as "Robitussin-like" by one, a bit sharp to start with a shorter finish, food friendly given higher acidity
3. Ridge York Creek, Napa, 2003: ~$30
Favorite of one taster
Buttery, long finish, notes of tea
4. Green & Red Chiles Mill Vineyard, Napa, 2004: ~$30
This was the favorite of the group with 7 votes
Distinctive, cedar overtones (as shown by comparison to the humidor), potential to age, smooth with good mouth feel

Second flight: No prices are listed as all wines are available only through allocation from Turley (or by sucking up to Theo!)
1. Turley, Tofanelli, Napa, 2004
One vote for favorite
"Bam slam", Consistent, raspberry, licorice, orange
2. Turley, Ueberroth, Paso Robles, 2004
2 votes for favorite
Sweeter than the others, cherry fruit bomb, fades into a sweet aftertaste, cedar finish with grapefruit nose
3. Turley, Pesenti, Paso Robles, 2004
No notes? Sorry guys.
4. Turley, Moore "Earthquake", Napa 2004
No votes for favorite but enjoyed by the group
Very smooth, smoky, dried fruit
5. Turley, Dogtown, Lodi, 2004
One vote for favorite
Jammy, higher alcohol than the others, raspberry, sage, could sit for 2-3 years and be even better
6. Turley, Hayne, Napa, 2004
Favorite with 5 votes
Smoothest, strawberry jelly, smoky

Rib sauce
Makes enough sauce for 7-10 pounds of ribs (I used pork shoulder ribs seasoned with garlic and pepper)

1 medium onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp butter
1½ cups ketchup
¾ cup bottled steak sauce (I used A-1)
¾ cup honey
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2/3 of a 12 oz beer (I used Red Tail)
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp Tabasco

Sautee the onion and garlic in butter. Add all other ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, let simmer 30 minutes or more.