The typical aromas and flavors for a Zinfandel include: blackberry, boysenberry, raspberry, plum, raisin, prune, rhubarb, sweet & sour cherry, pomegranate, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, maple, mushroom, and mint.
The 2011 Joel Gott Zinfandel has aromas of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberry jam. Dense and rich on the front of the palate, with bright acidity on the mid-palate, and a long finish.
This wine will pair well with lamb, beef, venison, buffalo, chicken, duck, and game hen. I like to pair this wine with a chile glazed, or spicy steak. The slight sweetness of the wine will complement the spicy notes in the steak. If you don’t eat meat, this wine is versatile and pairs well with a hearty fish such as swordfish or salmon.
The choice in meat will be your base ingredient. Some bridge ingredients you could use for a steak or fish include: tomatoes, portabella mushrooms, oregano, onions, garlic, smoked gouda cheese, kalamata or green olives, fennel, balsamic to name a few.