Castoro Cellars Zinfandel Paso Robles 2005

This was definitely the best of the three Castoro wines I have tasted thus far. The nose strongly resembled cherry cola with an equally strong scent of sugar-coated strawberries (no, not jam - fresh strawberries with sugar). In the mouth, this Zin showed some great back-end tannins, and flavors of sweet raspberries and strawberries. It also had some spicy notes which I thought would pair this well with some Indian dishes - but I would not limit this as a wine I would only drink with food. It was fun by itself..well done Castoro!

The "Zinfusion" (formerly vineyard Tribute) is a marriage of a select few vineyards that complement each other to produce a unique wine that showcases Paso Robles Zinfandel. The 2004 vintage was one of the biggest styled Zinfusions to date, and the 2005 follows suit. This wine is a Zin lovers dream wine! You will be engulfed in ripe and jammy fruit aromas and flavors as you enjoy this wine. This is a big wine and is enjoyed with rich pasta and meat entrees.

Our Zinfandel is created from vineyards in the Templeton area of the Paso Robles appellation. Very intense ripe fruit prevails as the grapes are generally picked at over 24° Brix giving a hint jamminess to the wine. You will find typical Zinfandel fruit with slight raisin and spice notes. Our Paso Robles Zinfandels routinely win Double-Golds and Best of Class in the wine competitions.

Strawberry Shortcake may not have been a babe, but she smelled delicious. I am totally reminded of strawberry shortcake - more the actual dessert, than it's namesake. It's bright strawberry fruit comes through up front on this wine, and stays true throughout followed up buy a creamy finish. I think if wine were allowed, this Zin would be the official wine of Toyland.

Aromas of plum and strawberry lead to flavors of cobbler berries, with strawberry playing a star role. The finish has a fruit-candy element to it, which blends nicely with toffee and caramel notes. Nice balance, elegant from start to finish, and at $14.95 a bottle, this is a tremendous value that I would highly recommend.

Wine Tasting NotesOur Zinfandel is created from vineyards in the Templeton area of the Paso Robles appellation. Very intense ripe fruit prevails giving a hint jamminess to the wine. You will find typical Zinfandel fruit with slight raisin and spice notes.