I can't forget to follow up with you on the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) Event that I attended in Chicago.  I know I invited you all to attend and rightfully so!  With over 30 wineries in attendance, it was a great time to learn, taste and enjoy the Zinfandel in great abundance at the ZAP event.  Of course, one must be careful when there are so many wonderful wines to be enjoyed! 

And this event certainly has made me think about things.  After the Chicago ZAP Tasting, I have had to do some deep and major soul searching regarding my wine perspective. I had to ask myself, "Why have I have not given Zinfandel a fair shake in the past?".  I even delved a bit deeper, by asking "Why have I opted for what is comfortable and more prominent, for what everyone else is trying?"  Why have I missed out the the fabulously diverse and bold Zinfandel wines?".    This event helped me to realize (and without any counseling!) that I have been a bit, well....let's just say "wine shallow". 

I am thankful that I had the opportunity to attend the Chicago ZAP tasting.  And here are a couple of my key take-aways and comments:

1.  I was pleasantly pleased with the Moss Creek Zinfandel for a budget friendly price around $35.    Dogwood Cellars also offered a fine Zinfandel.

2.  Zinfandel offers extraordinary fruity flavors of dark cherries, boysenberry, blackberries.  I appreciated some of the subtle hints of vanilla, black pepper or caramel.  I love the zing, or the spicy tones that come through on this wine.

3.  While I never thought I would say this.... I was completely impressed with World Market.  Yes, their Zinfatuation wine was enjoyable, but it was their chocolate peanut butter pretzel bites that put me over the edge!  I can't help it...put peanut butter and chocolate together and it is a dangerous combination.  Compliment that with a good wine, it is fatal.  Plus, World Market was towards the end of my voyage around the room, so you can only imagine how happy I was at that point.

4.  While I loved the view from the 80th floor of the Mid-America Building and I thought ZAP had a first-class operation, I would implore them to offer more appetizers.  Besides the cheese table, I saw a rare appetizer make its way out of the kitchen, yet it was swarmed upon so quickly that I hardly believed I ever saw it.    The cheese and crackers were enjoyable though and is probably all I really needed.  We can't take away from the wines after all!

5.  Speaking of the pace that I was going...I will "dump" more next year!   It is just hard to "dump" when you are experiencing such an amazing thing, as learning you are enjoying Zinfandel way more than you ever expected. 

6.  Zinfandel is a great option with Barbecue!  Mmmm...!!!  And thus, it is great for a warm summer!