Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Ridge Paso Robles 2010 Zinfandel


Ridge Paso Robles 2010 Zinfandel, $29.99, 92 points, has a dark ruby color, with Shiraz purple tones, almost opaque at the core with great clarity right to the clear rim.
The aroma is, as is customary with Ridge Zinfandel wines, wonderful, with earth (almost Rhone styled), restrained cooking spice, and cedar.
Nearly full bodied, this Zinfandel is round and lush, with sufficient acidity to cut through a heavily beefed chili. An acidity that continues with mild tannin all the way to the finish.
Ridge Paso Robles 2010 Zinfandel is early palate toasty, with developing juicy blackberry, grape, and plum. 
The long finish adds black and white pepper to the trailing palate.


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Copyright 2012 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Alcohol and Intelligence-is that an Oxymoron?




I'm not a journalist, but just in case you missed this provocative 'study' on alcohol use and intelligence, which goes against everything I've learned about those who partake more and not less of the "brain damaging poison", then here's your chance to get back at the Nay-Sayers!
DscoveryNews-do-intelligent-people-drink-more-alcohol?


XYZIN 2008 California Zinfandel





XYZIN 2008 California Zinfandel, $14.99, 88 points, was cranberry in color, the aroma was almost too robust.
The 14.3% alcohol set aflame the sweet cooking spice, cedar tones, and black pepper onto the palate snowballing deep into the warm finish.
The medium-plus body was smooth and carried bright acidity, mild tannin, and flavors of red cherry, mulberry, and plum.
These Zins have been great with pizzas (for example) and the Football games.
So far, these bottom-shelf Zinfandels have been remarkably consistent except for the outstanding Mazzocco Zin, and made for easy purchasing; buy what you're comfortable with and what's least expensive; the ladies in the super market have got this one down exactly right, but if you are looking for a special Zinfandel, you need to experiment or get some advice. Sorry, in NH you won't find the Mazzocco in the super market yet!


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Copyright 2012 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Monday, October 29, 2012

Masked Rider 2007 California Zinfandel



Masked Rider 2007 California Zinfandel, $10.80-$14,58, 88 points (bought at Hannaford's super market), is ruby red tapering to cranberry with a clear rim.
The aroma is subtle, but very pleasant with cinnamon, clove, cedar, with hints of licorice.
This dry red wine has a medium-plus body with lip smacking acidity and moderate tannin which carries flavors of tart red cherry/cranberry almost effectively "green" (unripe fruit), with a touch of hibiscus.
A long finish of cayenne trails the tart palate.

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Copyright 2012 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Sunday, October 28, 2012

BlackStone WineMaker's Select 2008 Zinfandel



BlackStone WineMaker's Select 2008 Zinfandel, $10.19-$11.99, 87 points, appears cranberry red in color.
An interesting aroma of leather, earth, plum, and some vegetable quality combine to keep you guessing as to what varietal this wine is.
The medium-plus body carries fair acidity and mild tannin, along with flavors of red cherry, plum, and a hint of licorice.
The finish is truncated with just a hint of spice.
This is a competent wine, one that is versatile and inconspicuous; with a good QPR, I wouldn't shy away from having this as an accompaniment to football parties with pizzas and burgers, but don't expect exclamations either.

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Copyright 2012 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger


Saturday, October 27, 2012

Pacific Rim Columbia Valley 2010 Riesling






Pacific Rim Columbia Valley 2010 Riesling,
$9.99-$11.99, 89 points, has a golden/lime color.

The aroma is an interesting sweet olive-oil and faint lilac, however Ethan was getting a complex Belgian waffle aroma; either way you should find it pleasant.

Having an off dry light body and sparkling acidity enhanced flavors of pear, apricot, and peach, all of which trailed the fair finish culminating with a tart light ginger.


 

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Copyright 2012 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger





Friday, October 26, 2012

Smoking Loon 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel



Smoking Loon 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel, $8.49-$12.99, 86 points, has a dark ruby color.
The nose is cooking spice, a hint of cedar, and just a touch of funk that dissipates with air.
A medium-plus body has fair acidity and moderate tannin which carry the primary flavors of plum and tart young mulberry.
Smoking Loon 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel has a fair finish with some spice and almost unnoticeable alcohol (13.9%).



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Copyright 2012 Dennis Tsiorbas. All rights reserved, Template provided by Blogger

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Zinfandel Wines USA My Complete List

Bedrock Old Vines 2021 Zinfandel, $18.39-$25.99, 91points
Beran Sonoma County 2013 Zinfandel, $25.49-$29.99, 90 points
Big House Beastly Old Vines 2008 Zinfandel, $7.99-$9.99, 85 points
Big House Beastly Old Vines 2009 Zinfandel, $7.99-$9.99, 84 points
Black Oak 2009 Zinfandel, $6.00, 86 points
BlackStone WineMaker's Select 2008 Zinfandel, $10.19-$11.99, 87 points
Boneshaker Lodi 2012 Zinfandel, $15.99-$24.99, 91 points
Boneshaker Old Vine Cali 2016 Zinfandel, $8.54-$19.99, 90 points
Bonterra Mendocino County 2010 Zinfandel, $12.99-$15.99, 89 points
Bonterra Mendocino County 2016 Zinfandel, $11.89-$16.99, 86 points
Buehler Napa Valley 2007 Zinfandel, $17.99, 91 points
Buehler Napa Valley 2011 Zinfandel, $13.85-$22.99, 90 points
Buehler Napa Valley 2012 Zinfandel, $10.19-$19.99, 88 points
Buehler Napa Valley 2013 Zinfandel, $10.19-$19.99, 85 points
Cakebread Cellars Red Hills Lake County 2007 Zinfandel, $39.99, 93 points
Cakebread Cellars Red Hill Lake County 2010 Zinfandel, $21.14-$27.99, 89 points
Candor Non-Vintage Zinfandel, $14.99-$16.99, 86 points
Carol Shelton Cucamonga valley 2006 Zinfandel $23.99, 89 points
Carol Shelton Old Vine Lopez Vineyard Monga 2008 Zinfandel, $22.46-$24.95, 89 points
Dry Creek Heritage Vines, Sonoma County, 2018 Zinfandel, $16.99-$23.99, 90 points
Earthquake (see Michael David)
Easton Amador County 2008 Zinfandel, $13.99-$17.99, 87 points
Easton Amador County 2010 Zinfandel, $15.99-$17.99, 89 points
Easton Amador County 2011 Zinfandel, $12.23-$17.77 89 points
Easton Fiddletown Rinaldi Vineyard Old Vine 2009 Zinfandel, $22.39-$27.99, 92+ points
Edmeades MENDOCINO COUNTY 2007 ZINFANDEL, $14.99, 88 points
Edmeades Mendocino County 2009 Zinfandel, $14.99-$16.99, 89 points
EOS Estaten Winery Paso Robles 2007 Zinfandel, $21.99, 89 points
Fiddletown Cellars Amador County Old Vine 2015 Zinfandel, $16.99-$19.99, 90 points
Folie à Deux Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County 2010 Zinfandel, $12.74-$18.99, 89 points
Forefront (Pine Ridge) Zinfandel, $10.19-$24.99, 88 points
Forenzo Mendocino County 2012 Zinfandel, $15.29-$19.99, 86 points
Four Vines Paso Robles "Biker" 2008 Zinfandel, $24.99, 90 points
Four Vines Paso Robles "Biker" 2009 Zinfandel, $21.25-$24.99, 92 points
Foxglove Paso Robles 2013 Zinfandel, $15.29-$16.99, 86 points
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Red Label 2008 Zinfandel, $15.29, 87 points
FREI BROTHER DRY CREEK 2007 ZINFANDEL Reserve, $16.00-$18.99, 88 points
Frei Brothers Dry Creek Valley 2012 Zinfandel Reserve, $13.60-$20.99, 90 points
Frey 2008 Mendocino Zinfandel, $11.04, 75 points
Fritz Estate Dry Creek Valley 2013 Zinfandel, $17.99-$25.99 (birthday gift), 87 points
Fritz Estate Dry Creek Valley 2014 Zinfandel, $17.99-$25.99 (birthday gift), 89 points
Fritz Estate Dry Creek Valley 2015 LATE HARVEST Zinfandel, $29.00 (birthday gift), 89 points
Frog's Leap Napa valley 2007 Zinfandel, $20.39, 91 points
Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2009 Zinfandel, $26.99-$28.99, 91 points
Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2010 Zinfandel, $22.94-$28.99, 91 points
Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2014 Zinfandel, $25.49-$33.99, 92 points
Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2016 Zinfandel, $27.19-$33.99, 91 points
Frog's Leap Napa Valley 2020 Zinfandel, $28.89-$35.99, 90 points
Gamba Family Ranches Russian River Valley 2009 Zinfandel, $44.91-$49.91, 91 points
Gamba Old Vine Estate 2007 Zinfandel, $43.99, 92 points
Gamba Moratto Russian River Old Vine 2007 Zinfandel, $39.59-$43.99, 93 points
Gamba Moratto Russian River Old Vine 2009 Zinfandel, $39.59-$43.99, 86 points
Gehricke (The Other Guys) Sonoma Valley 2013 Zinfandel, $22.09-$27.99, 92 points
Geyser Peak 2012 Zinfandel, $6.79-$16.99, 86 points
Ghost Pines 2008 Zinfandel, $11.70-$19.00, 90 points
Gino's Dry Creek 2005 Zinfandel, $24.99, 87 points
Girard Napa Valley Old Vine 2013 Zinfandel, $24.99-$28.99, 90 points
Gnarly Head Lodi Old Vine 2009 Zinfandel, $9.35-$12.99, 86+ points
Gravelly Ford 2011 Zinfandel, $9.99, 86 points
Green and Red Chiles Canyon Napa Valley 2007 Zinfandel, $18.99, 92 points
Green and Red Chiles Canyon Napa Valley 2008 Zinfandel, $20.99, 92 points
Green and Red Chiles Canyon Napa Valley 2009 Zinfandel, $23.99, 92 points
Green and Red Napa Valley Chiles Canyon 2018 Zinfandel, $25.49-$29.99, 90 points
Grgich Hills Estate Grown Napa Valley 2006 Zinfandel, $39.99, 92 points
Grgich Hills Estate Grown Napa Valley 2007 Zinfandel, $30-$35, 92 points
Grgich Hills Estate Grown Napa Valley 2009 Zinfandel, $24.99-$34.99, 92 points
Grgich Hills Napa Valley 2011 Zinfandel, $29.74-$34.99, 90+ points
Hartford Russian River Valley Old Vine 2012 Zinfandel, $28.79-$31.99, 90 points
Hartford Russian River Valley Old Vine 2015 Zinfandel, $27.19-$31.99, 91 points
Haywood Los Chamizal Sonoma Valley 2009 Zinfandel, $15.99,$29.99, 89 points
Heitz Ink Grade Vineyard Napa Valley 2012 Zinfandel, $23.79-$27.99, 90 points
Heitz Ink Grade Vineyard Napa Valley 2013 Zinfandel, $26.34-$32.99, 91 points
Heitz Ink Grade Vineyard Napa Valley 2014 Zinfandel, $29.99-$34.99, 91 points
Hendry Block 7 and 22 Benchlands Napa Valley 2007 Zinfandel, $35.00-$39.00, 90 points
Hillgate Lake County 2011 Zinfandel, $8.49-$18.99, 78 points
HOBO Branham Vineyard Rockpile 2009 Zinfandel, $20.70-$31.00, 90 points
HOBO Dry Creek Valley 2006 Zinfandel, $15.30-$22.00, 90 points
HOBO Dry Creek Valley 2008 Zinfandel, $15.30-$22.00, 90 points
HOBO Dry Creek Valley 2012 Zinfandel, $20.33-$22.59, 91 points
HOBO, Sonoma County, 2019 Zinfandel, $23.39-$25.99, 93 points
Housley's Century Oak Winery Inez's Vineyard Old Vine 2014 Zinfandel, $11.89-$28.99, 90 points
Howell Mountain Vineyards Old Vines 2011 Zinfandel, $45, 92 points
Hullabaloo 2008 Lodi Zinfandel, $14.60-$21.00, 86 points
Joel Gott 2008 California Zinfandel, $12.74, 81 points
Joel Gott 2011 California Zinfandel, $12.74-$16.99, 86+ points
Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve 2006 Zinfandel, $12.00, 89 points
Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve 2008 Zinfandel, $11.99-$13.99, 87 points
Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Sonoma Valley 2007 Zinfandel, $11.99-$29.99, 92 points
Kenwood Yulupa Old Vine Lodi 2007 Zinfandel, $9.99, 88 points
Klinker Brick Old Vines 2007 Zinfandel, $16.99, 89 points
Klinker Brick Lodi Old Vine 2010 Zinfandel, $16.99-$18.99, 89 points
Klinker Brick Lodi Old Vine 2013 Zinfandel, $16.99-$18.99, 88 points
Lake Sonoma Winery Dry Creek Valley 2010 Zinfandel, $15.99-$19.99, 90 points
Liberated Wine "Vindicated" Lot #1 Dry Creek Valley 2012 Zinfandel, $12.99-$22.99, 89+ points
Limerick Lane Collins Vineyard Russian River 2009 Zinfandel, $15.29-$35.99, 90 points
Macchia 2008 Zinfandel , $18.99, 85 points
Madrigal Napa Valley 2011 Zinfandel, $13.99-$29.99, 87+ points
Manifesto Lodi 2015 Zinfandel, $11.99-$14.99, 86 points
Marietta Sonoma 2007 Zinfandel, $20,99, 89 points
Martinelli Russian River Valley Lolita Ranch 2012 Zinfandel, 92 points
Martinelli Russian River Valley Vellutini Ranch 2011 Zinfandel, $45.89-$53.99, 91+ points
Masked Rider 2007 California Zinfandel, $10.80-$14,58, 88 points
Mazzocco Dry Creek Valley 2009 Zinfandel, $14.99-$24.99, 91 points
McManis California 2008 Zinfandel, $9.00, 84 points
Michael David Earthquake/Lodi 2012 Zinfandel, $25.99-$28.99, 90+ points
Michael David Earthquake/Lodi 2013 Zinfandel, $19.54-$28.99, 87+ points
Michael David Lust/Lodi 2007 Zinfandel, $50.00, 83 points
Montevina Amador County 2006 Zinfandel, $9.95, 88 points
Nalle Dry Creek 2006 Zinfandel, $24.79-$30.99, 91 points
Napa Cellars Napa Valley 2015 Zinfandel, $12.74-$20.99, 88 points
Neal Family Vineyards 2008 Zinfandel "Rutherford Dust" Napa Valley, $22.09, 91 points
Neal Rutherford Dust Vineyards Napa Valley 2010 Zinfandel, $20.39-$25.99, 92 points
Neal Rutherford Dust Vineyards Napa Valley 2011 Zinfandel, $19.19-$25.99, 90 points
Neyers Pato Vineyard 2008 Zinfandel, $29.99, 91 points
Neyers Vista Luna Borden Ranch 2012 Zinfandel, $22.39-$27.99, 88 points
OZV (Oak Ridge Wine) 2005 Zinfandel, $16.00, 86 points
Paso Creek Zinfandel Paso Robles 2008 California Zinfandel, $14.50, 88 points
Paul Dolan Vineyards Mendocino County 2007 Zinfandel, $15.29-$17.99, 88 points
Paydirt Paso Robles 2013 Zinfandel, $11.89-$25.99, 90 points
Peachy Canyon Incredible Red Paso Robles 2006 Zinfandel, $6.00-$12.00, 80 points
Peachy Canyon Paso Robles Westside 2006 Zinfandel, $17.77, 88 points
Peachy Canyon Paso Robles Westside 2008 Zinfandel, $11.99-$19.99, 86 points
Peter Paul Sorracino Vineyards Dry Creek 2006 Zinfandel, $16.14-$18.99, 89 points
Pezzi King Dry Creek Valley 2010 Zinfandel, $11.47-$21.99, 87 points
PEZZI KING Old Vine Dry Creek 2008 Zinfandel, $29.99, 91 points
Plungerhead Dry Creek Old Vine 2013 Zinfandel, $17.84-$20.99, 90 points
Plungerhead Lodi Old-Vine 2008 Zinfandel, $11.70-$15.80, 79 points
Predator Old Vine Lodi 2010 Zinfandel, $14.99-$16.99, 88 points
Predator Old Vine Lodi 2011 Zinfandel, $14.99-$16.99, 87 points
Primitivo Italian Zinfandel
Quickfire Dry Creek Valley 2008 Zinfandel, $7.64-$18.99, 90 points
Quivira Dry Creek 2006 Zinfandel, $18.99, 86 points
Quivira Dry Creek 2011 Zinfandel, $16.99-$19.99, 88 points
Rabble Moss~Fire Ranch, Paso Robles, 2018 Zinfandel, $21.99-$26.99, 92 points
Rancho Zabaco Reserve Dry Creek 2007 Zinfandel, $17.99, 87 points
Rancho Zabaco Reserve Dry Creek 2008 Zinfandel, $15.99-$21.00, 78 points*-see post
Rancho Zabaco Sonoma 2007 Zinfandel ,$13.99, 81 points
Ranco Zabaco Sonoma County (Heritage) 2011 Zinfandel, $9.34-$15.99, 86+ points
Ravenswood Napa Valley 2005 Zinfandel, $15.99, 86 points
Ravenswood Napa Valley 2008 Zinfandel, $15.99, 85 points
Ravenswood Single Vineyard Belloni Russian River Valley, 2007 Zinfandel, $25.49, 90 points
Ravenswood Single Vineyard Big River Alexander Valley, 2007 Zinfandel (100%), $25.49, 90 points
Ravenswood Single Vineyard Dickerson Napa Valley, 2007 Zinfandel (100%), $29.99, 92 points
Ravenswood Single Vineyard Teldeschi Dry Creek Valley 2007 Zinfandel, $25.49, 91 points
Ravenswood Vintner's Blend 2007 Zinfandel, $7.64, 79 points
Renwood 2005 old Vine Zinfandel $18.00, 74 points
Renwood Amador County Premire 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel, $15.99-$19.99, 90 points
Renwood Amador 2011 Timberline Zinfandel, $21.99,$39.99, 90 points
Renwood BBQ 2011 Zinfandel, $12.56-$13.95, 89+ points
Ridge East Bench 2007 Zinfandel, $28.99, 91 points
Ridge East Bench 2012 Zinfandel, $23.79-$27.99, 91 points
Ridge East Bench 2013 Zinfandel, $23.79-$27.99, 91 points
Ridge East Bench 2014 Zinfandel, $25.49-$29.99, 92 points
Ridge East Bench 2016 Zinfandel, $27.19-$31.99, 90 points
Ridge Pagani Ranch 2018 Zinfandel, $33.99-$39.99, 93 points
Ridge Paso Robles 2007 Zinfandel , $27.99, 92 points
Ridge Paso Robles 2007 Zinfandel (Revisited), $27.99, 88 points
Ridge Paso Robles 2009 Zinfandel, $25.49-$29.99, 91 points
Ridge Paso Robles 2010 Zinfandel, $29.99, 92 points
Ridge Paso Robles 2015 Zinfandel, $28.89-$33.99, 93 points
Ridge Paso Robles 2016 Zinfandel, $28.89-$33.99, 92 points
Ridge Paso Robles 2017 Zinfandel, $28.89-$33.99, 92 points
Ridge Ponzo Vineyard 2008 Zinfandel, $26.99, 92 points
Ridge Ponzo Vineyard 2013 Zinfandel, $24.64-$28.99, 92 points
Ridge Three Valleys 2006 Zinfandel, $22.99 86 points
Ridge Three Valleys 2012 Zinfandel, $22.49-$28.99, 89 points
Ridge York Creek 2005 Zinfandel, $24.64, 92 points
Ridge York Creek 2009 Zinfandel, $24.64-$28.99, 93 points
Roche Alexander Valley Old Vines 2012 Zinfandel, $32.95, 91 points
Rock Wall Wine Co Monte Rosso Vineyard 2014 Zinfandel, $33.99-$39.99, 92 points
Rodney Strong Knotty Vine Russian River, Alexander Valley 2008 Zinfandel, $18.99, 89 points
Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Sonoma County 2009 Zinfandel, $16.14-$21.99, 86 points
Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Sonoma County 2010 Zinfandel, $16.99-$22.99, 90 points
Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Sonoma County 2012 Zinfandel, $19.99-$22.99, 89 points
Rombauer el Dorado Napa Valley 2007 Zinfandel, $26.99, 84 points
Rombauer Vineyards California 2011 Zinfandel, $26.99-$29.99, 93 points
Rombauer Vineyards California 2012 Zinfandel, $24.99-$29.99, 90+ points
Rosenblum Monte Rosso Vineyard Sonoma Valley 2010 Zinfandel Reserve, $21.99-$43.99, 91+ points
Rosenblum Paso Robles 2007 Zinfandel, $7.40-$19.00, 87 points
Roshambo The Reverend Dry Creek Valley 2006 Zinfandel, $18.14-$24.99, 88 points
San Joaquin Wine Co. "Toschi" Vineyards 2012 Zinfandel, $8.99-$10.99, 84 points
Sanctuary Mariah Vineyard Mendocino Ridge 2005 Zinfandel, $24.94, 82 points
Sebastiani Sonoma County 2010 Zinfandel, $8.49-$18.99, 89 points
Sebastiani Sonoma County 2012 Zinfandel, $9.99-$18.99, 87 points
Seghesio Cortina Dry Creek 2007 Zinfandel, $34.99, 91 points
Seghesio Old Vine Sonoma County 2007 Zinfandel, $29.99, 92 points
Seghesio Old Vine Sonoma County 2008 Zinfandel, $29.74-$42.99, 92 points
Seghesio Old Vine Sonoma County 2011 Zinfandel, $29.74-$42.99, 93+ points
Seghesio Sonoma 2008 Zinfandel, $15.20-$29.00, 90 points
Seghesio Sonoma 2010 Zinfandel, $18.69-$23.99, 91 points
Seghesio Sonoma County 2011 Zinfandel, $22.99-$25.99, 93 points
Seghesio Sonoma County 2012 Zinfandel, $19.99-$25.99, 90 points
Seghesio Sonoma County 2013 Zinfandel, $16.99-$21.99, 91 points
Seghesio Sonoma County 2014 Zinfandel, $18.95-$25.99, 91 points
Seghesio Sonoma County 2016 Zinfandel, $20.39-$25.99, 89 points
Sextant Paso Robles "Wheelhouse" 2008 Zinfandel, $15.29-$19.99, 89 points
Sin Zin Alexander Valley 2007 Zinfandel, $22,99, 90 points
Sin Zin Alexander Valley 2011 Zinfandel, $7.99-$24.99, 87 points
Smoking Loon 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel, $8.49-$12.99, 86 points
St. Francis Sonoma County "Old Vines" 2007 Zinfandel, $14.44-$21.99, 87 points
Steele Mendocino County 'Pacini Vineyard' 2015 Zinfandel, $10.49-$16.99, 90 points
Sterling Vintner's Collection Central Coast 2009 Zinfandel, $10.99-$12.99, 86 points
Storybook Mountain Vineyards Mayacamas Range 2012 Zinfandel, $29.74-$34.99, 91 points
Temptation California 2011 Zinfandel, $8.50-$16.50, 86 points
Terra D'oro Amador County Old Vine 2014 Zinfandel, $13.99-$16.99, 87 points
Toad Hollow Cacophony 2007 Zinfandel, $13.59-$17.99, 86+ points
Tortoise Creek 'The Chelonian' Lodi 2012 Zinfandel, $7.08-$14.99*, 87 points
"Toschi" Vineyards 2012 Zinfandel, $8.99-$10.99, 84 points
Trentadue Alexander Valley Estate 2012 Zinfandel, $14.99-$18.99, 89 points
Trentadue Alexander Valley Estate 2013 Zinfandel, $16.99-$18.99, 86 points
Truchard Carneros Napa Valley 2010 Zinfandel, $14.99-$27.99, 87 points
Truchard Carneros Napa Valley 2011 Zinfandel, $11.99-$27.99, 91 points
Truchard Carneros Napa Valley 2012 Zinfandel, $12.74-$27.99, 88 points
Truett-Hurst Red Rooster Old Vine 2012 Zinfandel, $32.99, 91 points
Twisted Old-Vine 2009 Zinfandel, $7.20, 84 points
UVAGGIO Lodi 2011 (Primitivo) Zinfandel $10.19-$18.99, no points given (spoiled bottle)
Valley of the Moon Sonoma County 2008 Zinfandel, $10.80-$14.58, 88 points
Verde Sole Sierra Foothills 2009 Zinfandel, $11.47-$17.99, 88 points
Victor Vineyards Lodi Old Vine 2011 Zinfandel, $8.99-$17.99, 84 points
Wellington Vineyards Sonoma Valley 2005 Zinfandel, $18.99, 88 points
Wilson Winery Sonoma County 2013 Zinfandel, $20.39-$23.99, 90 points
Wingnut 2008 Zinfandel, $14.99, 88 points
XYZIN 2008 California Zinfandel, $14.99, 88 points
Z-52 Winery Truchard Napa Valley 2007 Zinfandel, $8.49-$21.99, 92 points
Zig Zag Zin. Mendocino County 2008 "Old Vine" Zinfandel, $13.99-$18.99, 88 points
Zin 91, 2006 Zinfandel, $14.00, 83 points
ZinSane Lodi 2014 Zinfandel, $12.99-$14.99, 88 points
Zinsane Paso Robles 2010 Zinfandel, $13.69, 90 points


The discussion of 'age-ability' of Zinfandel red wines comes up quite often, with the rule-of-thumb being that Zinfandel is better had young (1-5 years), but there are wonderful exceptions, as demonstrated by this 'vertical' Geyserville wine tasting. [Keep in mind the rules (temperature, humidity, lack of vibration, and darkness) of cellaring wine.]

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Mazzocco Dry Creek Valley 2009 Zinfandel





Mazzocco Dry Creek Valley 2009 Zinfandel, $14.99-$24.99, 91 points, has a dark ruby almost burgundy color with a transparent rim.
A robust aroma shows bramble berries, spice, and a hint of licorice.
The medium body carries good acidity with moderate tannin.
Flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and sarsaparilla are juicy without being sweet, and trail the finish with a slight floral trend with a heat accompaniment (15.6 alcohol).
Mazzocco Dry Creek Valley 2009 Zinfandel is a rather wild wine, but is surprising smooth with very good flavor. The NHLS' "power-buy" means I'll be stocking-up on this one. 
This Zin's sin is the lack of spice on the finish, and some (not me) will not like the higher heat.

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve 2008 Zinfandel



Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve 2008 Zinfandel, $11.99-$13.99, 87 points, is maroon red with a clear rim.
The aroma has some toasty prune, but is mostly spicy with clove and cinnamon with hints of cedar.
A smooth medium body has good acidity and moderate tannin.
Flavors of plum, mulberry, and tart red currant provide a bounty of fruit without becoming jammy or over-done. The finish is fair, but is a bit chalky with plum, spice, and hint of heat (14.5% alcohol).



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Monday, October 22, 2012

Zig Zag-ing in The Valley Of The Moon Zinfandels




Zig Zag Zin and Valley of the Moon 2008 Zinfandels are remarkably good, similar in attributes, and close in price.
The color is an indistinguishably clear orange-red to ruby.
The aroma is a warm cinnamon and clove, and though Zig-Zag and Valley of the Moon have red cherry on the nose, Valley of the Moon also has hints of damson plum; they remain remarkably alike.
Both have good acidity, mild tannin, are very dry, and finish with a touch of heat (14.5% alcohol) and spice, all this carried on a medium body.
The difference is in the flavor:
Zig Zag Zin. Mendocino County "Old Vine" Zinfandel, $13.99-$18.99, 88 points, is a focused blend of red fruit and spice, is a harmonious and balanced wine without any annoying flavors.
Valley of the Moon Sonoma County (Produced and Bottled) 2008 Zinfandel, $10.80-$14.58 (Bought at Hannaford's Super Market), 88 points, has a more pronounced flavor profile, with striking red fruit and plum, but soon after pouring I noticed a faint off note that seemed to fade with air.
As for the Quality-Price-Ratio (QPR), that too is indistinguishable. 


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Tabarrini Montefalco Sagrantino 2006 Colle Alle Macchie

 
Tabarrini Montefalco Sagrantino 2006 Colle Alle Macchie, $52.56 plus approximately $11.20 in shipping fees (optional next-day service, and the first wine I did not personally purchase in NH), 95 points, is a splendid red wine made from the Sagrantino-grape. John M. Fodera of Tuscanvines-Montefalcos 2006 Colle Alle Macchie intrigued me with profuse praise of this wine to move-out of my comfort zone and desire to review wines for typical New Hampshire wine drinkers; I am not at all disappointed!
To the wine:
2006 Colle Alle Macchie is black at the core, almost as black as the bottle, trending dark rosewood and continuing as a slightly cloudy violet toward a clear rim.
The bouquet is an amazing buttery popcorn as you pour, but with your nose in the glass it is transmuted into lush blackberry with hints of leather, cinnamon, and lavender.
This velvety full bodied wine is very acidic and very tannic. This was not an impediment to us, though the wine is a sipper (it was ten minutes before I had another sip), and I'm guessing that it will benefit from a ten to twenty year slumber in the cellar (glad I bought two).
The flavor is the aromatic presentation, and is over-ruled by the prematurely long finish of bourbon heat (15% alcohol) and spice.
Just a quick note on domestic Sagrantino,
Mosby-wines, which I haven't as of yet had the good fortune to have tasted, is the first producer in North America, and if their wine is as good as their labels, their wine should be outstanding:-) I know someone who has a bottle, and when she spills her brains,
I'll link you to her mature palate.                                                                                                                                                      
 
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Sunday, October 21, 2012

Carpineto 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva Revisited



I don't often revisit the same wine, but Carpineto 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva $18.69-$23.99, 90 points, is one of those wines, that clearly demonstrates changes in the wine and changes in the wine taster after over a year and four months. 
This is not going to be a red wine for everyone, as it is just too robust for the average dinner table, with a funky aroma, strong floral quality, near full bodied, still having firm tannin and bright acids. Well, who am I to say! Keep in mind this is a red wine that needs time to breathe; I began drinking this CCR and not liking it, but as the air mellowed EVERY attribute, I began to appreciate just how subtle, complex, and good this wine is.
The color is dense at the core, a bit cloudy, trends ruby, garnet, and finally clear at the rim.
The aroma began funky, but mellowed to prune and licorice.
The tannin is still gripping, and the acidity is yet mouth watering; true to pairing with Italian cuisine.
The near full body is marked by flavors of plum, black cherry, licorice, and coffee.
The finish is long on the palate flavors with some spice.

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Saturday, October 20, 2012

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2008 Rosso di Montalcino

 


Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2008 Rosso di Montalcino, $22.09-$26.99, 91 points, is pomegranate in color with a broad transparent rim.
The aroma is a light sweet red cherry with hints of cinnamon and cedar.
A smooth medium body carries good acidity with mild tannin that plays to the fruity flavors of cranberry, red cherry, and a smoky plum.
The finish is a smart spicy one with an accentuating tartness.
This winery has impressed me before, but the quality and price of this 2008 Rosso is excellent.
I can picture three or four bottles of Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2008 Rosso di Montalcino on my large Thanksgiving day dinner table, my guest's eyes popping-out: "What kind of wine is this?" Me: "It's not Barefoot!" Of course it's not $5 either.


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