Saldo, 2009

As promised, here is my review for Orin Swift Cellars Saldo, 2009.  It has such a simple unassuming label.  But, the price is not unassuming; it cost $29.

Saldo, 2009 is a Zinfandel but is also blended with Syrah and Petite Sirah.  (In 2008 it was a blend of 88% Zinfandel, 8% Syrah, and 4% Petite Sirah.)  This wine did not fall short of what I expected.  The color is a rich deep red.  An aroma of pepper and spice.  Flavors of dark fruit and spice, has very mild tannins and warms the back of my throat.  Try it and you won't be sorry.  I know I wasn't.

Winemaker's Note:  Not available for 2009, but 2008 notes are ... The 2008 Saldo is rich, ripe, and full-bodied, with aromas of black cherry and bramble fruit. The tannins are soft but the wine has a huge mid-palate. The soft, lush finish lingers. 2008 was a perfect vintage for Saldo. The hot weather was ideal for creating ripe zinfandel. Drink now and enjoy over the next five years.

I read the following on Orin Swift's website and thought I'd pass this on to  you.  "There are grapes from Sonoma, Napa, Amador, Mendocino, and Contra Costa counties. Some of these great vineyards include Monte Rosso, Eagle Point, Rockpile, Bismark, Beatty, Page Nord, Duarte, Solari, Evangehlo, Battuelo's, Tofanelli, Korte, Mable Tiedemann, Frediani, Lewers, Alta Vista, and Bald Mountain just to name a few. Dave (Phinney) is so committed to this concept he is now developing his own Zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma specifically for this project as well.

The word "saldo" has many different meanings in Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. In Spanish, it mainly refers to "balance on hand", and sometimes it can mean "from here and there." This wine represents the best of the best lots made by Dave from vineyards all across Northern California."