Popped and poured; enjoyed out of red Solo cups over the course of a few hours. The 1981 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with light staining of the tears and significant sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes desiccated, as well as some ripe black and red fruits: mixed brambles, black cherry, tobacco, leather, dried flowers, earth and spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. It’s always fun to open old bottles of classically made Zinfandel and this turned out to be a great bottle of the 1981 Esola Vineyard. If you have a bottle, and you’re reading this, find some friends and drink now.
Popped and poured; enjoyed out of red Solo cups over the course of a few hours. The 1981 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with light staining of the tears and significant sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes desiccated, as well as some ripe black and red fruits: mixed brambles, black cherry, tobacco, leather, dried flowers, earth and spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. It’s always fun to open old bottles of classically made Zinfandel and this turned out to be a great bottle of the 1981 Esola Vineyard. If you have a bottle, and you’re reading this, find some friends and drink now.
Oct 17th, 2025
Shenandoah Valley, Sierra Foothills, California, USA
