2018 Tobin James Ballistic Zinfandel ($17)
When a local grape harvester showed up at with six tons of Zinfandel grapes that he was willing to give away, Tobin “Toby” James, a young assistant winemaker at the time, asked if he could have the grapes to make his own wine.
"Sure kid, knock yourself out," the owner replied.
A year and a half later, Toby’s first wine won double gold medals, and a spot on The Wine Spectator’s coveted "Top 100 Wines of the Year.” Tobin James Cellars was born.
For the next few years, Toby quietly produced his own popular small-batch wines, tasting and selling them out of a local wine shop in Paso Robles. Then in 1993, Toby finally took the plunge and built Tobin James Cellars.
In 1996, Toby was joined by partners and winemakers, Lance and Claire Silver, who updated and expanded the winery to what it is today.
They call Ballistic Zinfandel "Paso in a glass" as it is made up of 100% Zinfandel sourced from 27 individual vineyards from the diverse AVAs that Paso has to offer.
Ballastic Zinfandel is deep purple in color with aroma of black fruit and sweet tobacco leaf. On the palate, this full-bodied wine is rich and delicious with dark jammy fruit flavors and a peppery finish.
This 2018 Tobin James Ballistic Zinfandel is a great tasting wine that’s affordable and attainable. A perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!