Oakville Estate, Franciscan, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, 1993, USA

To say that this 29 year old Oakville Estate, Franciscan, Zinfandel from Napa Valley was a surprise its an understatement. Found in the depths of the wine store we expected it to be “dead”, lifeless and only good for the sink but how wrong we were.

Flavours and aromas were still there, with plenty of plum, blackcurrant, a hint of mint and eucalyptus to note. Its dry and very smooth and even decanted it had good length and that lasted all evening as we went back to try it as it was so unexpected.

At £30 a bottle its not cheap but it was truly excellent.