2008 Ponte Vineyard Zinfandel port

[Andy Velebil]

Spend the last couple days in Temecula at a wedding held at this winery. A very beautiful property and new hotel that was fantastic. Though there wasn't much down time I managed to sneak away for a bit to do a little tasting at their tasting bar. I noticed they made a "port" so I had to try it....

18% ABV and after the waiter called the wine maker he found out they add about 10% brandy to fortify it. Other than that, the waiter wasn't too sure on how it was made. A very sweet and pruney nose. The palate was also very sweet and silky. It quickly grew in the mouth with prunes dominating. Raisins really popped out on the finish, which was also very sweet and long. It was simple and lacking acidity which I could see would make it hard to drink more than a couple glasses. Otherwise, not a bad Zinfandel based "port"...until the price was disclosed. Uh, yeah, for that much I can buy a 2007 Taylor's VP.
86 Points