Clos du Bois Zinfandel

This past weekend was the last official weekend of summer. Cooler weather had come through my area and it felt more like a fall weekend than a summer weekend. I decided to make the best of the two with dinner. My plan was to grill a Hormel® Always Tender® Apple Bourbon marinated pork tenderloin since grilling is associated with summer. I enjoy the pre-marinated tenderloin when I do not have the time to marinate one myself. To go with it I made homemade shells and cheese, a variation of mac and cheese, a fall/winter comfort food.

I also had one last beautiful organic heirloom tomato I had purchased at the market. I sliced the tomato and it was a great summer side to the pork tenderloin. For the bread to go along with the meal I tried a new small artisan loaf I found at my local grocery store. The bread was delicious and the right size for the two of us.

The next decision was the wine. Zinfandel seemed to be the right choice to go along with the grilled pork tenderloin. The BBQ flavor of the Apple Bourbon marinade just asked for a Zin.

Clos du Bois Zinfandel North Coast 2009 is the choice I made to go with the meal. Why did I choose this zinfandel? I have to be honest and say it was a cross between knowing the Clos du Bois wines are good ones and that it was on special at the store. I was not disappointed in my choice. The dark berry flavors and hint of spice was a good match with the grilled pork. It is a full-bodied wine and would work wonderfully with any grilled meat. The tannins were right for my taste. The wine was balanced and I enjoyed it sipping before, during, and after my meal. I will purchase this wine again.

One side note about Clos du Bois. I went to a small local sushi restaurant with my friend Terry. (Yes, I love sushi, but that is another post). When she ordered her wine, a Clos du Bois Chardonnay, the waitress corrected her pronunciation of the wine and said “No, you mean Close to Boys“. It was hysterical. We will now forever smile when we see Clos du Bois and think “Close to Boys”.

Have you tried this Zinfandel? What is your favorite Zin? I am always on the lookout for good wine so let me know what I should put on my shopping list. Cheers!