Tasting Room
ZinfandelWINE OF THE WEEK
Mazzocco
2004 Quinn Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($24)
A big, juicy, spicy zin. Complex, with notes of blackberry, boysenberry, brown sugar and chocolate. Soft tannins.
2004 Louvau Vineyard Old Vines, DCV, Sonoma - Zinfandel ($28)
A smoky zin. Spicy, with notes of red cherry, tart plum, pencil, tar and oak. Complex and full-bodied.
2004 Ciapusci Vineyard, Mendocino - Zinfandel ($28)
A good, brambly zin. Appealing notes of cranberry and tobacco. Medium-bodied. Rich and elegant. Uncomplicated.
2004 Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($26)
Limited appeal. Violet aromas. Flavors of pomegranate, red plum and cranberry. Slightly tannic. Some under-ripe flavors.
2002 Stellwagen Vnyd., Sonoma Valley - Zinfandel ($25)
A big, brambly zin. Aromas and flavors of cranberry, pomegranate, black licorice and white pepper. Crisp finish.
2003 Monte Rosso Vnyd., Sonoma Valley - Zinfandel ($35)
Limited appeal. A very ripe zin with stewed plum flavors. A hint of raisin. Gripping tannins. Medium complexity.
2004 Barricia, Sonoma Valley - Zinfandel ($30)
A full-bodied zin, with cherry and cranberry fruit flavors. Notes of caramel, root beer and anise. Integrated tannins.
2004 Knotty Vines, Sonoma County - Zinfandel ($20)
A vibrant, elegant zin. Notes of strawberry, blackberry, boysenberry, cedar, toast and pepper. Integrated tannins.
2004 Mayacamas Range, Napa Valley - Zinfandel ($30)
A complex, juicy zin. Floral, with notes of black cherry, cassis and tobacco. Jammy. Ripe tannins. Showy.
2005 California - Zinfandel ($10)
A soft, easy zin. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry and brown sugar. Uncomplicated. Light-bodied.
2004 Rockpile Road Vineyard, Sonoma County - Zinfandel ($38)
A blockbuster. Complex and jammy. Notes of concentrated boysenberry, blueberry, raspberry, caramel, vanilla and clove.
TASTING PANEL: Steve Leveque, winemaker of Chalk Hill; Larry Van Aalst, sommelier of Equus; Renay Santero, wine buyer of Oliver's Markets; 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