1998 Tulocay Zinfandel Napa Valley (California) – Zinfandel grape
“This tiny, steeped terraced vineyard produces classic, full throttle Napa Zinfandel. With yields below 1 ton per acre, this wine is highly concentrated. Alcohol levels range from 14% to 15%+ annually. Marked by briar and macerated plum flavors and aromas, this extremely limited production wine (between 75 and 150 cases per year) is an outstanding example of its type.” Madrose.com
1999 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Hill Russian River Valley (California) – Zinfandel grape
“The 1999 Zinfandel Jackass Hill Vineyard (16.5% alcohol) reveals notes of lavender, jammy black raspberries and blackberries, smoky oak, soy, jus de viande, and a touch of volatile acidity, all of which explode in the nose and on the palate. Flamboyant, with excellent structure, immense body, and flavors of blackberries and smoky cherries that ooze across the palate, this is another prodigious wine that should be consumed over the next decade, although its power and force of character will keep it alive for 2-3 decades.” Rated 96 The Wine Advocate
2001 Carlisle Zinfandel Gum Tree Ranch Russian River Valley (California) – Zinfandel grape
“An interesting example, the spicy, spearmint, incense, and black fruit-scented 2001 Zinfandel Gum Tree Ranch is from a vineyard planted in 1905 that was destroyed after this 2001 was produced in order to make way for a housing development. A 133-case cuvee aged in French oak, it offers an impressive perfume along with great fruit density, and full body. Kudos to Mike Officer.” Rated 93 The Wine Advocate
2008 Orin Swift Cellars Saldo Zinfandel (California) – blend of 88% Zinfandel, 8% Syrah, and 4% Petite Syrah grapes
“Through the success of his Prisoner label, Orin Swift Cellars owner/winemaker Dave Phinney has gained access to some of the best Zinfandel vineyards in the Northern California growing community. Dave recently decided he wanted to make a high quality Zinfandel and what he created did not fit the constraints of a single AVA. Well-built, yet rich and stylish, with spicy blackberry aromas and zesty, layered flavors of black cherry and licorice framed by toasty oak. Offers a long, satisfying finish. Drink now through 2015. The winery’s name comes from the names of his parrots.” Rated 91 Wine Spectator
2007 Dendor Patton Old Vine Zinfandel Wisdom Mendocino County (California) – Zinfandel grape
“This ruby colored Zin opens with an attractive blueberry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, well balanced, and smooth. The flavor profile is a tasty blueberry and black cherry blend. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins drift away nicely. This wine is very food friendly and would pair well with Theresa’s meatloaf.” Rated 91 Ken’s Wine Guide
1999 Marietta Angeli Cuvee Alexander Valley (California) – Zinfandel grape
“The ’99 Cuvée offers a heady, broad, and dense yet somewhat tight nose with raspberry jam, spice, camphor, hints of anise, and toasty oak. The generous, warm, “glycerine-like” mouth coats the palate with toasted oak and ripe spicy berry flavors. This wine is young and tight; expect it to blossom and gain fruit as it ages in the bottle. As always, the Cuvée is a huge offering which pushes the limits of ripeness. We are fortunate to have access to such old vines that produce extremely ripe fruit with such complex flavors and mouth filling intensity. This is a big wine that offers great aging potential. Producing only 2400 cases total, these old vines don’t yield tonnages like they used to; but what they lack in quantity, they unquestionably make up for in quality and concentration.” wine.com