2005 Campus Oak Old Vine Zinfandel

I find it an odd thing when I am Googling something and it has no website. Especially so when I am Googling a delightful, award-winning wine---one would think its winery would have a website you could easily find with Google. But, tonight I had dinner at the Press Club (which also has no website...) where I was able to taste a very nice wine.

2005 Campus Oak Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi)
Just looking at the name made me think I could be making a mistake. The bottle and label are fine to look at but I was concerned by the name "Campus." I had already had a taste of the house wine, which was a Sangiovese, so once I tasted the Zin I instantly recognized its sweetness in comparison. Actually, I was so surprised by it that I likened it more to some Merlot's I've had than the red Zin's I've tasted before. I'm going to admit right now that I didn't give this wine the consideration I've given the other's I've reviewed (this is because I was busy with my friend in conversation). I failed to make a clear assessment of its nose, and so feel like I am 1) barely qualified to review it and 2) will not do it justice.

The taste of this wine was sweet. It was like jam on my tongue. There was no bitterness. Having paired it with a savory crepe, I instantly regretted sipping it during my meal because it was not nearly the right wine for the food. So while I finished my crepe I left the Zin to the side. After I finished I began with the wine again. It was pleasant to drink alone but I also ordered a dessert crepe and it went well with that too. I would definitely order this wine again. While it has won several awards however, I do think it a bit pricey at $9 a glass when you can purchase the bottle for less than $15 at somewhere other than the restaurant.