2008 Haraszthy Zinfandel Amador County (California)
The fruit was sourced from dry-farmed vineyards located in the Shenandoah Valley (AVA) and in Fiddletown (AVA). We thinned twice to eliminate unevenly ripened clusters to enhance the color and to promote even fruit maturity. Zinfandel plantings from these two areas are considered to be the oldest in California and were brought to the region by the gold miners during the late 1840’s. The wine was aged for 14 months in Seguin Moreau American oak barrels (Agoston Haraszthy, Father of California’s Viticulture, came to the United States in 1840 and founded the state’s first winery. His descendants operate his namesake winery outside Sacramento in the Sierra Foothills). Alluring spicy aromas of raspberry, vanilla, nutmeg and white pepper. Nicely balanced on the palate, good fruit concentration and acidity. The wine exhibits a beautiful lingering finish. This wine is an excellent compliment to red-sauce pasta dishes, grilled beef and roasted chicken with Mediterranean herbs.haraszthyfamilycellars.com
2007 Turley Zinfandel Presenti Vineyard Turley (California)
From their home vineyards on the limestone soils in Paso Robles, the 2007 Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard displays richness, freshness, and vibrancy (no doubt due to the cool limestone soils), and beautiful notes of kirsch liqueur, licorice, and seaweed wrapper. This medium to full-bodied, classic Zin should age nicely for 7-8 years. Rated 92 The Wine Advocate
2007 Neyers Zinfandel Tofanelli Vineyard Napa Valley (California)
The 2007 Zinfandel Tofanelli Vineyard (from 50-year old Napa vines) exhibits a dark ruby hue in addition to a bouquet of roasted Provencal herbs intermixed with licorice, pepper, and abundant berry fruit. The acid levels provide crispness, and there is plenty of spice and fruit in this full-bodied Zinfandel. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. This is a reliably strong portfolio from Bruce Neyers, the national sales representative for Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. His winemaker is Turley Cellar’s highly renowned Ehren Jordan. Rated 90 The Wine Advocate
2003 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard Russian River Valley (California)
The 2003 Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard (554 cases at 16.5% alcohol) has a classic dark plum/purple color, a huge nose of dates, figs, brandy-macerated blueberries, blackberries, soy, smoke, and barbecue spice. A full-bodied, exotic, opulent wine and a total hedonistic and intellectual turn-on, it should drink well for 7-8 years. Rated 95 The Wine Advocate
2001 Tulocay Zinfandel Amador County (California)
Tasted after two rather jammy zins, this is a wake up call, with ripe, round, balanced fruit, dusty herb nuances & fantastic balance. After finishing my taste the host announces that this has 15.7% alcohol! I never caught any sense of heat. The richness of the fruit just ate it all up. Hands down this is my favorite Amador zin of all time. wineloverspage.com
1997 The Hess Collection Zinfandel Napa Valley (California)
Dark garnet red, with an aroma of blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and cassis. Second layer is nutmeg, leather, toast and vanilla beans. Flavor: Blackberries, plums, and allspice. Second layer is tobacco, cinnamon, oak, sage, and roasted meats. The mid-palate is full and layered with round tannins. Finish: Ripe fruits, lingering texture, toasty and silky finish. wine.com