Rabble Zinfandel, Paso Robles 2018

Deep ruby color; blackberry, black cherry, spice on the nose; blackberry, red plum, blueberry, black cherry, strawberry, chocolate, tar, spice on the palate.

Rabble Zinfandel, Paso Robles 2018

Dry; relaxed, granular tannins; soft acidity. Smooth, soft, very easy drinker. Medium weight. Inoffensive, simple. Zinfandel grapes sustainably grown in Paso Robles, a region notable for old-vine zinfandels. Aged 10 months in French and American oak, only 25% new, so reserved oak influence. 14.5% ABV

Rabble emphasizes environmental activism. Their top four wines push elements of nature—earth, fire, water, wind—and are sold as a bundle. For each bundle sold, Rabble plants five trees. The website notes: “Our wines are rooted in nature. It’s in the way we make our wines and grow our vines all connected to the soil to establish the essence of a vibrant and honest wine. It’s why we partner with local growers and farmers who are dedicated to sustainable farming practices to produce full purity in the fruit that creates fresh Paso Robles wines embodying the rebellious Rabble style.”

Rabble Zinfandel, Paso Robles 2018 is laid-back effort, summer barbecue effort. Smooth. Bright, fresh, a bit different than what you expect from Paso Robles zin. Longtime grape growers Rob and Nancy Murray wanted to showcase Paso Robles and Santa Maria Valley fruit, and this accomplishes that. Pair with comfort food—pulled pork sandwiches; meatloaf; smoked brisket; slow-cooked lamb; poultry; rotisserie chicken; Chinese takeout (really). $21-28

Rabble Wine website