Ever had one of those days where your to-do list is a mile long and you are very tired, for no apparent reason? Yeah today is one of those days…luckily a cup of Italian coffee and some Dave Matthews on internet radio should help get it turned around.

So last night I had an interesting challenge as far as food pairing goes: Hawaiian pizza, cheese ravioli and salad with blue cheese dressing…..what wine to serve?

The problem was slightly exasperated by the fact that the wine budget for the night was about $15…..and it had to be found at Beverages and More in short order…think 10 minutes or so.
After having a look around the store I settled on a California Zinfandel. I was hoping that the richness of the blue cheese dressing, the cheese ravioli and the ham…would be enough to compliment the wine.

We ended up with a Zinfandel from Rosenblum Cellars. It was a 2006 Aparicio from Amador County.

Overall it was a pretty good bottle (originally $25, on sale for $14.99) I wouldn’t drink it by itself, but the 2nd glass was better than the first once it had a chance to breathe for a few minutes. It also worked pretty well with the pizza. We knew going in that because it was a dry farmed Zin that the fruit flavors were going to be pretty strong, they were. I also could very easily make out vanilla when the wine first hit my tongue and there was a definite spice on the finish.

Overall, good bottle. I don’t think I would specifically search it out….but if it were laying around I wouldn’t have a problem opening it. I have a feeling Rosenblum Cellars also makes some interesting wines in their higher price ranges based on the easily recognizable flavors in this wine. I’d guess if you spent $30 or so on a bottle, you might have the best Zin you’ve had in quite some time.