2010 Plungerhead Lodi Zinfandel

About This Wine

Plungerhead is Zinfandel for Zinfandel lovers.

As the vintner likes to say, it’s made with character for characters. An avant-garde collection of grapes from various California growing regions showcases virtually all the flavors we love in Zin. A majority of the cuvee comes from the Lodi growing district.

The 2010 growing season in Lodi was long and cool. The heat spiked a few times, but Zinfandel prefers even more heat. So it was decided to let the fruit hang... and hang... until the growers cried, “Uncle!” Needless to say, the fruit ultimately harvested was extremely concentrated in aromas and flavors.

The cool season also led to a lower alcohol level, and tannins that are firm and mature. Pair the Zin with a splash of Lodi Petite Sirah for color and black fruit, and a little Paso Robles Syrah for finesse, and you have what the Plungerhead vintner considers his best wine yet.

About Zinfandel

California's own grape variety. Red Zinfandel (not to be confused with "white" Zinfandel) can produce full-bodied wines packed with ripe berry fruit and smooth tannins. Flavors of blackberries and spicy pepper.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:92% Zinfandel, 6% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah
• Grape Source:Lodi Area of California
• Aromas & Flavors:Black Raspberry, Cherry, Pomegranate, Molasses, White Pepper and Walnut
• When to Drink:Now Through 2015
• Food Pairing Suggestionroasted pork tenderloin, or black olive pizza.

Member Ratings

Recipes.

• 

  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Radicchio Risotto Try this dish with a big red wine such as Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. It makes 4 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe
  

  Marinated London Broil This dish, the centerpiece of a sit-down dinner, matches beautifully with Zinfandel or other fruity red wines. Get The Recipe
• 

  Sausage Jambalaya This recipe makes a great meal, especially on a cold day. Try it with Syrah, Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. And if you'd like to save a few fat grams, substitute turkey sausage for the beef. This recipe makes 8 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Cabernet Sauvignon Ice Cream Our friends at Alexander Valley Vineyards came up with this wonderful recipe a few years ago. We've tried it with Cabernet Sauvignon (as the recipe calls for), as well as Merlot, Primitivo, Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel... and every time, it turns out delicious! It's best made with an ice cream maker, and if you have such a machine, it's extremely easy to assemble. Enjoy! Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Grilled Figs With Gorgonzola Summer may be waning, but the grilling season continues. Petite Sirah, Zinfandel or a bold red blend would match nicely with this dish, which makes a wonderful starter course. This recipe makes enough to fill a party pass-around platter... Get The Recipe
  

  Pork Tenderloin With Tart Cherry Port And Caraway Sauce This delicious recipe from Sonoma County's J. Fritz Winery matches beautifully with almost any red wine. It makes 4 to 6 servings. Get The Recipe
• 

  Boeuf Bourgogne This family-sized recipe hails from the Burgundy region of France. It matches beautifully with California Petite Sirah or Zinfandel. Get The Recipe
  

  Summer Berry Cobbler Desserts can be tricky to match with wine, but when berries are involved, the quest becomes easier. Try this recipe, which makes 6 to 8 servings, with a fruitful Zinfandel, or almost any slightly sweet wine... Get The Recipe
  

  Broccoli Sweet Onion And Pecan Salad A flavorful salad that matches with both white and red wines - particularly Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Shiraz - this recipe makes 6 servings as a side dish, or about 3 as a main dish. Get The Recipe
  

  Pulled Pork Sandwich What to do with that leftover pork tenderloin? Turn it into a delicious sandwich, and pour a glass of... Get The Recipe
  

  Veal Lasagne This recipe, which makes 4 servings, matches beautifully with Zinfandel - red, that is. Get The Recipe
• 

  Chestnut Cake You don't have to wait until Christmas to enjoy chestnuts. Try this recipe with Zinfandel or Primitivo for a special dessert. It makes 10 to 12 servings, depending on who's wielding the knife. CHESTNUT CAKE Ingredients... Get The Recipe
  

  Beef Rib Eye With Sweet Onion Topping This dish pairs beautifully with Syrah (a.k.a. Shiraz), as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and red blends. This recipe makes 4 servings Get The Recipe