Tasting Room
ZinfandelWINE OF THE WEEK
Bluenose
2004 Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($25)
A zesty zin, rich, ripe and showy. Complex and full-bodied. Soft texture. Jammy, with notes of red raspberry, oak, nutmeg and clove. Integrated tannins.
2004 Lily Hill Estate, Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($34)
Elegant and complex. Jammy, with rich notes of blackberry, strawberry, rhubarb, sweet oak and clove.. Well integrated.
2003 2003 MacLeod Vnyd., Sonoma Valley - Zinfandel ($24)
A zinfandel with limited appeal. Flavors of strawberry, herbs and prunes. Undermined by some off aromas.
2003 Lone Redwood Ranch, RRV, Russian River - Zinfandel ($25)
A rich, ripe zin with a soft texture. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, herbs and oak spice. Light tannins.
2005 Amador County, California - Zinfandel ($12)
A racy zin. Notes of rose, red raspberry, blackberry, black licorice and spice. Ripe, with a soft texture.
2004 Sonoma County - Zinfandel ($15)
Juicy and rich. Appealing flavors of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla and sweet oak. Good core of fruit.
2004 Sonoma County Reserve, Sonoma - Zinfandel ($30)
Complex and jammy. Notes of blackberry, black cherry, red raspberry, menthol and cinnamon.
2004 Hendry Vineyards Reserve, Napa - Zinfandel ($45)
Rich and showy. Has a soft texture, with integrated tannins. Notes of blackberry, chocolate, coffee and spice.
2005 Napa Valley - Zinfandel ($14)
A smoky, toasty zin, with medium complexity. Showy, with notes of blackberry, coffee and bacon. Oak-driven.
TASTING PANEL: Dennis Martin, director of winemaking, Fetzer Vineyards; Kristi Mohar, wine buyer, Pacific Markets; Larry Van Aalst, sommelier, 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