De L'arjolle Z Domaine De L'arjolle Zinfandel 2011

Heather Wall rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

This full-bodied, deep ruby 'Z' Zinfandel stands alone. Literally. Domaine de l'Arjolle of the Languedoc region in France is the ONLY Zinfandel producer in France with vines imported from California.
The similarities stop there.
This is not a hot, fruit bomb Zinfandel as common with Cali Zins. This quite French Zinfandel is elegant and refined. Chewy with dark fruit compote, raisins, prunes, light pepper, oak, smoke and palate is offered the same treat.
Tannins evident but smooth. Winemaker suggests wine could age another 5yrs+
14%ABV but no heat! Balanced nicely with fruit and wood. Released Vintages Jan.4/14
At $19.95 this wine will not last long.
Tasted Jan 23/14

Malcolm Lamont rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Opulent chewy fruit as to be expected by zinfandel and balanced by Domaine de L'Arjolle's elegant style.

Domaine L'Arjolle was the one producer allowed to plant Zinfandel in France as an experiment, and the results have rewarded this decision.

Here's to further experimentation with such balanced results!

Tasted Jan 23, 2014

Matt Steeves rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Domaine de L'Arjolle from Cotes du Thongue, France, has spent the last five years nurturing France's only hectare of Zinfandel vines to produce this unique expression of a increasingly popular varietal. Deep ruby red with wild raspberries, stewed dark fruits, wood smoke, vanilla, and a touch of fresh herbs welcomes you into this medium-full bodied wine. On the palate, you'll find a fresh example of a Zinfandel that stylistically seems to fit-in right between Californian and Italian (Primitivo) styles.

This French experiment has potential to produce a more complex world-class style of Zin as they continue to learn how to harness its potential in the beautiful south of France. Tasted January 2014. 89 points. Matt Steeves

Jane Staples rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

This 2011 "Z" Zinfandel is the only Zin made in France, as Domaine de l'Arjolle is the only French winery with permission to grow it. One of the founders originally brought Zin stalks from California after falling in love with it there...and when a French man falls in love...it is a passionate affair!
Full-bodied, creamy, with stewed fruit, leather, smoke and earthy notes, along with cedar too. Enjoy it with beef or Roquefort cheese.