Tasting Room
ZinfandelWINE OF THE WEEK
Dry Creek Vineyards
2005 Heritage Zin, Sonoma County - Zinfandel ($16)
An elegant zin. It has a silky texture yet still manages to be a bit brooding, with bold fruit flavors. Notes of rich cherry and licorice. Good length.
2005 Mendocino - Zinfandel ($18)
A spicy zin with a decent mouth-feel. Notes of blackberry, raspberry and cinnamon. Full-bodied. Integrated tannins.
2005 Russian River Valley - Zinfandel ($30)
A full-bodied, spicy zin. Aromas and flavors of cherry, black currant and mint. Nice intensity. Bright. Good structure.
2005 Ponzo Vineyard, Sonoma County - Zinfandel ($24)
A vibrant zin with tasty fruit. Notes of toasty oak and pepper. Showy. Integrated tannins. Balanced.
2005 Old Vine, Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($19)
An oak-driven zin. Notes of cherry and vanilla. Some charred flavors. Full-bodied, with medium complexity.
2005 Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($28)
A lively, spicy zin. Notes of mineral and toasty oak. Mediumbodied. A bit tight. Undermined by some off aromas.
2005 Lodi - Zinfandel ($8)
A lively zin with limited appeal. Full-bodied, with light tannins. Undermined by some prune and vegetal flavors.
2005 North Coast Appellation Series, California - Zinfandel ($18)
A full-bodied zin that's a bit tannic. Bold cherry fruit. A bit toasty. Medium complexity. Dry finish.
2004 Gino's Vnyd., Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($28)
A jammy, spicy zin. Aromas and flavors of ripe black raspberry, toast and clove. Soft texture. Long finish.
2005 Sawyer Vnyd., Dry Creek Valley - Zinfandel ($32)
A spicy zin with lovely fruit flavors. Notes of cherry, vanilla and black pepper. Ripe and showy.
TASTING PANEL: Stefen Soltysiak, Rodney Strong Vineyards; Daryl Groom, Beam Wine Estates; Doug Wilder, Vinfolio, Inc.; 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