Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 “Detention" Zinfandel
/ Amador County
The
historic Ryan Oaks Vineyard in Amador County provided
the fruit for this Zinfandel. From its bold ruby-purple
hue, aromas of plum, baked currants, cherry, and smoky
tobacco rise up. A sip carries zesty dark fruit flavors,
with accents of cinnamon and black licorice drifting across
the palate. A robust wine, pair it with grilled baby back
ribs with green onion, chiles, and lime and enjoy.
Score:
83
|
Eberle
Winery 2006 Zinfandel, Steinbeck/Wine Bush / Paso Robles
A deep, jammy nose with a fruit forward palate and exceptional
color take away your breath on this first sip. Ripe blackberries,
tart cherries, prunes, and a peppery finish unfold into
a complex finish with hints of floral surrounded by an
absorbing mineral and earthy edge. Well balanced and elegant,
trust this wine to work with your carefully and lovingly
prepared main dishes with rich sauces. We paired with
barbecued ribs slow smoked in a whisky sauce for 8 hours,
but Beef Wellington will work also. |
Midnight
Cellars 2006 Estate Zinfandel / Paso Robles
Hold this beautiful ruby red zin up to the sun, and savor
the color. Then, slow down, and enjoy the aroma. A wall
of power nose. Dark ripe fruits blend with fresh tart
raspberries to bring you a fruit forward nose that truly
stands out. A big mouth feel, with the spice of the terroire.
This is 100% zinfandel, with a long finish and a lingering,
fruit filled moment. Bold, bold, bold. Well balanced,
this should age well. Buy one for now, one for the cellar.
Only 950 cases made of this, so zin lovers, have some
on hand. |
Opolo
Vineyards 2006 Mountain Zinfandel / Paso Robles
This estate grown Zin starts out with a big California
nose of tart raspberries, dark blackberries, with hints
of mountain terroire and spicy notes. A warm, friendly
mouth feel continues to unfold with a long, lingering
finish. Toasty oak warmth comes from 12 months of aging
in neutral oak barrels. Bold, bold, bold. |
Organic
Wine Works 2006 Zinfandel Proprietor's Reserve / Lake
County
Winemaker
John Schumacher has been producing organic wine since
1989 when he founded the label. This Zinfandel has a ripe
red fruit nose with rich, complicating notes of elegant
mountain spice and earth. When sipped, the wine wraps
the senses in raspberry, cherry, and blackberry flavors.
Deeper notes of leather, sweet tobacco, and spice flow
into a pleasant, lingering finish. A smooth mouthfeel
and silky tannins make this wine easy to drink and enjoy.
Score:
90 |
Organic
Wine Works 2007 Zenful Zinfandel / California
Another
in a long line of organic wines from John and Lorraine
Schumacher, this Zinfandel opens up with a palpable nose
layering smoked meat, menthol, herbaceous notes, and dark
spiced plum. The palate combines plum and cherry fruit
flavors with earthier tones of herbs, truffles, and coffee
that flow into a slighly dusty finish.
Score: 82 |
Valley
of the Moon, 1997 Sonoma Valley Zinfandel,
(707) 996-6941
Glen Ellen, CA Ripe red blackberries emanate from the
nose of this Zinfandel. The light smokiness and a smooth
spicy finish are a perfect accompaniment to bold flavored
dishes like grilled beef and venison. |
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
|
