Unti Vineyards Zin

Spent the weekend of Feb 2 in Richmond VA at a daughter's college ceremony and discovered this little Zin. There's a fine wine and beer store near UR campus that has limited but unusual selections. Bought an Unti 2004 Zin for $19.99 that was really good. Went to Unti's website and they raved about the 2005 vintage was their best ever. Probably won't make it to PA but if you have a chance to buy I highly recommend. It's been a few days so the memory fades but it had a really nice feel, not too fruity and lots of the leathery to offset the fruit. They blend 10-15% Petit Syrah in which makes for interesting tones.

In another direction entirely, also bought a bottle of Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top champagne. The currently available NV was rated a 94 by Parker, but I went for the $45 price because this was the bubbly served on the Titanic (thought it poetic because of my daughter's date). The evening unfolded w/o my tasting this so I'd be interested in anyone's experience. I also discovered that Wine Library has the stuff on sale for $29. Anyone know if they can be connned into shipping to PA?

Almost a year later I wanted to restate my enthusiasm for this winery. After the earlier post I had a case of varied Unti wines shipped to an out-of-state friend who risked his liberty to bring the wine back to Pgh. Most of it was 2006 with some '05. Just had an '06 Barbera on Friday-Sat and it was exceptional. Great nose, great mouth feel (especially for the high alcohol), very complex for a $20 wine. Also keeping a couple of Unti's '06 Segromigno blend in reserve for later.

If you get a chance to tour in Sonoma, the experience is supposed to be pretty special, very informal, with Mick Unti doing the pouring.