Tasting Room
ZinfandelWINE OF THE WEEK
DeLoach
2004 Russian River Valley - Zinfandel ($30)
Most panelists said the zin was lovely. They liked the aromas and flavors of spicy blackberry,cherry and clove. Detractors said the zin was undermined by a thin texture.
2004 Alegria Vnyd., Russian River Valley - Zinfandel ($34)
Rich, ripe and showy. Flavors of red fruit and clove. Fullbodied,with pronounced oak. A bit tannic. Nice mouth-feel.
2003 Private Reserve, Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($26)
Has a wonderful zin character. Notes of black plum, spicy herbs and sweet oak. Just a bit tart.
2004 Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($22)
Aromas and flavors of spicy black raspberry, vanilla and coconut. Integrated tannins. Good acidity. Medium-bodied.
2005 Scherrer Vineyards, California - Zinfandel ($25)
Full-bodied, rich and ripe. Notes of cherry, blackberry and black cherry. Hint of raisin. Integrated tannins.
2004 Napa Valley - Zinfandel ($30)
Meaty, with aromas and flavors of black fruit, oak and spice. Slightly stemmy, with a note of sour cherry.
2002 Shaw Vineyards, Sonoma Valley - Zinfandel ($2,002)
Aromas and flavors of soft plum, cherry and black raspberry. Medium oak. Integrated tannins. Medium complexity.
2003 Sonoma Valley - Zinfandel ($25)
The panel concluded the wine was undermined by off aromas and flavors. Two bottles tasted.
2003 Pagani Vnyd. Res, Sonoma Valley - Zinfandel ($45)
A full-bodied, jammy zin. Nice acidity. Prominent oak. Ripe and spicy. Notes of vanilla, chocolate and coconut.
2004 Mendocino - Zinfandel ($18)
An uncomplicated zin. Aromas and flavors of cherry and camphor. Soft texture. Slightly earthy. Integrated tannins.
TASTING PANEL: Stefen Soltysiak of Rodney Strong Vineyards; Renay Santero of Oliver's Markets; radio's Ziggy "The Wine Gal" Eschliman; Larry Van Aalst of Equus; and Press Democrat wine columnist Peg Melnik.
CRITERIA: The panel samples eight to 12 wines a week in a blind tasting. Wine of the Week is based on quality, value and availability and is not necessarily the top wine of the tasting. Price is suggested retail; actual price is often lower.You can reach Staff Writer Peg Melnik at 521-5310 or e-mail pmelnik@pressdemocrat.com