Tasting Room
ZinfandelWINE OF THE WEEK
Robert Rue Reserve
2004 Wood Road, Russian River Valley - Zinfandel ($32)
A zin with perfect balance. Ripe without any raisiny flavors. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, leather, toffee and white pepper. Full-bodied, with a round texture.
2004 Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($24)
A zin with classic red fruit, sweet cherry and strawberry. Pronounced oak. Notes of herbs, caramel and coffee.
2004 Hopland Ranches, Mendocino - Zinfandel ($22)
Aromas and flavors of ripe fruit, herbs and vanilla. A spicy note of jalapeno. Medium complexity. Medium-bodied.
2004 Carlo's Ranch, RRV, Russian River Valley - Zinfandel ($38)
An exotic zin, with unusual spice notes. Flavors of blackberry, raspberry, cherry and pumpkin spice. Full-bodied.
2004 Maple Zin, Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($33)
A complex zin, with deep fruit flavors. Notes of blackberry, black raspberry, mocha, oak and coffee. Dustry tannins.
2003 Sierra Foothills, Amador - Zinfandel ($10)
A toasty oak, with notes of blackberry, honey and leather. Fruit is a bit tired. Integrated tannins. Medium complexity.
2004 Liar's Dice,, Sonoma County - Zinfandel ($22)
An elegant zin true to its varietal. Lovely, ripe, jammy raspberry fruit. Herbal note. Slightly short on the finish.
2004 Private Reserve, Alexander Valley - Zinfandel ($23)
A spicy zin. Dominate flavors of black cherry and toast. Full-bodied. Medium complexity. Slightly over-ripe.
2004 Carl's Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($26)
A good zin, with notes of herbs, leather and tart red fruit. The fruit could be slightly riper. Medium-bodied.
TASTING PANEL: Ziggy Eschliman, radio's "Wine Gal;" Stefen Soltysiak, Rodney Strong; Damy Tamburrino, Simi; Bill Traverso, Traverso's; Tom Simoneau, KSRO's "Wine Guy;" and PD 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