Vance Rose is a winemaker and businessman in the Paso Robles area of California – one of the most exciting regions of that state in regards to the quality of wines coming out at competitive prices.

His know-how and passion stem from an early life-changing experience he had with a 1959 Domain Naume Cambertin Clos de Beze – it was that pivatol wine  that gave him the wino-bug. Since that time, he has worked in just about every aspect of the wine business and over the past few years has been churning out really good wines under a variety of brands.

Technical Data:

• Grapes: 99% Zinfandel, 1% Cabernet Franc
• Vineyard Source: Santa Margarita Ranch – 1000ft elevation
• Vines per acre: 990
• Averate vine age: 7yrs
• ph: 3.76
• Total acidity: .59 g/100ml
• Alcohol: 14.2%
• Cases Made: 2912
• Price: $15

Nose: Black cherry, a hint of tar and shoepolish along with leather shoe -

Taste: Excellent dose of blackberry/black raspberry jam with a peppercorn reduction – superp, silky mouthfeel from the oak aging. A really nice finish that lingers on for hours and does a great job of cleansing the palate of zesty or bbq foods. This Zin is a total no-brainer for $15 and is easily one of the best Zins I’ve had in its price-range.\

This is a solid zin for $15 and one you should really seek out if you’re still pounding the Gnarly Head, Clines or even Ravenswood – I feel this wine – for the money – offers a better deal of complexity.

W.E.P. Rating: 100%

Winery website: www.5milewine.com