WhileI had read on ZAP’s website what flights! was about, I truly was unaware ofjust how euphoric the event turned out to be. I use that term because beingable to taste five different winemakers’ wine, all the while hearing about theprocess with which each one went through to make it, is not something you getto hear every day.

The9th Annual Flights! was a showcase of five different winemakers ranging fromEric Baugher, winemaker at Ridge, to smaller-producers, such as Matt Cline, ofThree Wine Cellars. Each winemaker showcased a slightly different style ofZinfandel ranging from 100% Zinfandel to Morgan Twain-Peterson’s Zin of 6different varietals plus “other stuff”.

Thediscussion ranged from the ever-debatable alcohol percentages to dry farmingand soil conditions. But at the heart of the matter was the question, “What is Zinfandel?”The nature of Zinfandel is as temperamental as any grape, even more so than thePinot Noir, due to it’s thin-skin makeup. Jeff Cohn, of JC Cellars (formerly ofRosenblum) described Zin as being “like Beyonce”.

Steppingback from the deeper questions, it was simply great to taste a dramaticallydifferent makeup of Zins. Some were sourced from as far south as Paso Robles,while others were in the Napa Valley. Each seemed to have captured the terriorin the wine. Dry Farming, irrigation, additions of Carignane, Petite Sirah, andthe list goes on and on, were continually discussed.

WhileI can say I know a fair bit about this mistivious grape, I came away witha greater knoweldge and a greater appreciation for the Zinfandel. Like Americathat grows it, the Zinfandel (both 100% and as a blend) are still taking shape.And Zap’s Flights! discussion is a perfect platform in which to evaluate, learnand discern the grape with each passing vintage. These might be reasons enoughfor you to check out ZAP for yourself next year!

Cheers,
Haydn

Speakersand their respective wines that were poured:

Morgan Twain-Peterson | Bedrock Wine Company
Bedrock Wine Company 2007 Bedrock Heirloom Wine from Sonoma Valley
2007 Ravenswood Zinfandel Bedrock Vineyard from Sonoma Valley

Steve Hall | Robert BialeVineyards
2007 Aldo’s Vineyard from the Napa Valley
2007 Stagecoach from the Napa Valley

Jeff Cohn | JC Cellars
2007 The Impostor Red Blend from California
2007 Sweetwater Springs Zinfandel from the Russian River

Eric Baugher | Ridge Vineyard
2007 Geyserville
2007 California Zinfandel from Paso Robles

Matt Cline | Three Wine Company
2007 Old Vines Zinfandel from California
2007 Old Vines from California

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Haydn Adams is the author of the book, WineriesBeyond Napa Valley: Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, an insider’s tastingguide to the hidden gems region. He also contributes to the Beyond Napa ValleyWine Blog, writes for vinvillage.com,and can be found roaming the hills of Sonoma County (and at times, Napa Valley)looking for the next hidden gems. You can contact him at haydn@beyondnapavalley.com.