May 012014
 
Wine Guerrilla Zinfandel McClain Vineyard 2012Wine Guerrilla Zinfandel McClain Vineyard 2012, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 92

Give this Zinfandel, blended with 10% Petite Sirah, a little time to open and reach its full potential. Robust aromas of blackberry, blueberry, brown spice and white pepper. A complex mouth-feel that is a bit leaner than many Zinfandels with juicy acidity but still offers hints of jamminess. Full-bore flavors of cherry, blackberry and boysenberry with notes of espresso and dark spice. Love the dark chocolate and cayenne pepper in the finish. Buy This Wine

Feb 272014
 
Distant Cellars Prospect Zinfandel 2010, Fiddletown, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 91

A big step forward from the 2009 freshman effort. A slightly leaner style of Zinfandel blended with a bit of  Alicante Bouschet to create a Zin lover’s flavor profile. A nose of blueberry and black berry with subtle aromas of coffee, chocolate and dark fruit jam. Balanced acidity and tannins combined with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, toasty oak and dark spice. Hints of coffee in the finish with just the tiniest hint of sweetness. Buy this Wine

Feb 192014
 
2011 Terlato Wines The Federalist Visionary Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 90

A jammy Zinfandel, especially for a cold winter’s night. Plenty of fruit with enough juicy acidity to pair well with red meats, especially BBQ. Aromas of blackberry jam, black cherry and cacao. Well balanced tannins with a jammy zinfandel mouth-feel on the palate with flavors of black cherry, plum and dark berries. A certain briariness and spice add complexity. Dark chocolate on the finish. Buy This Wine.

Feb 122014
 
2011 Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County, CA, $19 (S) – Rating 90

A fantastic value Zinfandel (blended with 16% Petite Sirah) for under $20. A robust nose of black cherry jam, espresso and dark spice. A soft mouth-feel with balanced acidity and silky tannins. Flavors of dark cherry jam, blackberry, strawberry, plum, espresso, cinnamon and baking spice. Buy This Wine

Feb 122014
 
2011 Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel,  Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 91

A blend of 83% Zinfandel and 17% Petite Sirah for a bit of added spicy punch. Vines averaging 90 years old with low 1-2 ton per acre production. Real Old Vine Zinfandel. An understated nose of plum, spice and hints of briar. Hallmarked by balanced acidity and supple tannins, this is a rich wine with tons of jammy flavor; blackberry, blueberry, ripe strawberry and plum. A definite spiciness with notes of cola and espresso in the finish. Buy This Wine