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Laura Zahtila Vineyards
Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, 2004
Oddone
Vineyard
$24 The 2004 Dry Creek Zinfandel from Laura Zahtila Vineyards is a luxurious, soft,
well-balanced Zin, and at $24 it is one of the most outstanding values in Zinfandel we've yet discovered. Aged in 100% American
oak which is beautifully and subtlely integrated with flavors and aromas of raspberries and plums. Soft and round on the palate,
velvety tannins, with a smooth lingering finish. An elegant Zin experience that will instantly convert any skeptic to an avid
Zin lover.
Order direct from Laura Zahtila Vineyards
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The
Terraces
2006 Zinfandel, Napa Valley
$28 Exotic and unusual, beautifully crafted Zinfandel that is unlike any other Zin you might have run across. It
has a Zen-like balance that is all too rare in California Zins---the bouquet is a fascinating blend of Asian 5-spices, black
pepper, and clove, with hints of coffee, mint, and chocolate. There is a perfect touch of supporting oak that complements
but does not overpower the unique flavor and aroma characteristics of the wine. The berry fruit is rich without
being excessively jammy, the 14.9% alcohol is ample without being hot or out of balance. This wine is a blend of
90.5% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Syrah, and 1.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is aged in both French and American Oak barrels, with
35% new oak. Timm Crull, the winemaker, has produced
a masterful blend. This is one of those "omigod" wines that you just don't run across very often--a beautiful Zinfandel
of great distinction and unique character. The sensuous experience it delivers is worth every penny of its very reasonable
$28 retail price. Highly Recommended. Ask for it at your finer wine retailers, or order
direct from The Terraces Wines.
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Venge
Vineyards
2004 Scout's Honor
$38 This fascinating blend of 68% Zinfandel, and 16%
each of Petite Sirah and Charbonno produces a lush, sophisticated, full-bodied wine loaded with both the tastes
and aromas of blueberries, licorice, and black pepper. Soft and round on the palate but with enough velvety
tannins and acidity to give it beautiful structure. An original wine not quite like any other Zin you've ever had, and
a wonderfully creative achievement by winemaker Kirk Venge. This one is an absolute "must have" for serious
Zin fans. Buy some for drinking now, and some to lay away for five to ten years.
Order online from Venge Vineyards
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Benessere
Vineyards
Napa Valley Zinfandel, 2004
Estate Black Glass Vineyard
362 cases,
$40 Benessere Vineyard (ba-NEH-sur-ray), located at the north end of Napa
Valley near Calistoga, specializes in Sangiovese and Zinfandel. The Black Glass vineyard from which this dense, rich Zin comes
is so named for the plentiful obsidian found therein. Notes of cherry, raspberry and spices characterize the rich fruit. Smooth,
supple, and not overly jammy. Well integrated oak from new American and used French barrels. The moderate 14.6% alcohol makes
this Zin much more table friendly than many. This one is a hedonist's delight. Buy a couple bottles for drinking now, and
some more for laying away.
Visit
Benessere Vineyards
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