US

Minty raspberries and chocolate light up the nose. Classy winemaking, with the plump fruit leading into a smooth, rich and extended finish with distinctly minty highlights.

US

Orange, apricot and pineapple aromas ride over a deep bass note of earth and spice. The earth nearly takes over on the palate, providing a rich, complex counterpoint to the fruit-driven sweetness. Could use a touch more acidity to really make the flavors sing.

US

A blend of Peachy Canyon Estate (67%) and Mustang Springs Ranch (33%) fruit. In this vintage the Peachy Zins seem to lack intensity, but this is a well-balanced effort that shows the best of what is there. Clean, forward fruit, with lots of blueberry and a light, toasty framework. Good wine, but pricey.

it

Displaying a ripe, multifaceted nose with violets, cumin, licorice, tar and chocolate elements, this wine shows class and grace with classic dry cherry flavors. Possessing lovely weight and balance, it is full without being heavy, and finishes with dusty rose and even tannins.

US

More of that mountain intensity, with very ripe fruit buttressed with spicy, mineral elements. Brambly, briary, and spicy, leading into a fleshy, round, ripe, soft middle and a long, fruity finish. Good right now.

US

Lovely, sweet plummy fruit, leads into a soft, rich, mouth-pleasing wine. Beautiful bouquet, tons of flavor in an elegant style. Leafy, old-viney finish.

US

Delicious berries and cream nose, which follows through with crisp, spicy flavors and good structure. OVOC stands for old vines old clones and the fruit, from head-pruned, hillside vineyards, lives up to its billing. Great all-purpose Zin.

US

Lovely nose, with coconut and hazelnut scents augmenting the cherry/berry fruit. Not an ordinairy set of scents and flavors, but enticing and distinctive. The fruit is intense and perfumed, and the accents of coconut seem just right.

US

Full, textured nose mixes cherries and herbs, very clean and complex. The vines are almost 80 years old, and yield a briary, wild berry quality to the fruit. Balanced and complex wine, which unfolds in lingering layers through a long, satisfying finish.

US

The winery claims the vines date back to 1882; the wine is a stunner, with rich, old vine complexity mixing cherries, leafy old-vine flavors, smooth chocolaty oak. Smooth, seductive, delicious.

US

All the components of fine Zinfandel are in top form here, from the opening fat, dark berry aromas to the deep, sweet fruit on the smoothly textured palate and the lovely fruit-acid balance. Closes handsomely, with full even tannins and some white pepper on the long back end. Drinks well now and has the structure to last and improve for a few years as well.

US

Old-vine straw, tobacco and herb in the nose. The wine is subtle, sensual and complex, with layers of interesting spicy flavor. Nicely balanced and flavorful, with a long, firm finish.

za

Everything about this elegant Chardonnay says balance and proportion. The tropical fruit shadings are carried by a solid acid backbone and accented smartly by mineral notes. A subtle yet rich perfume provides unexpected pleasure, and this wine has structure, reserve and depth. Can last two to five years.

US

Very pretty nose, with plenty of raspberry-focused fruit, and a nice creamy mouthfeel. Delicious, mouth-filling, concentrated wine, with a lot of finesse and a wonderful ripeness. Smooth tannins, long finish, with a touch of toast.

za

Lively, with brisk lime and herb aromas opening into a mouthful of tart grapefruit flavors. Shows a nice mouthfeel and a long finish with a crisp citrus tang and a slight mineral note. This zinger is right up there with the best in this style from nz.

au

Attractive blackberry aromas with bright tobacco and herb accents open this well-balanced wine. The palate shows strong cassis, earth and herb flavors, and an even mouthfeel. Finishes with dark cherry notes and full, fine tannins. This will age nicely and can use a little time. Quite flavorful and elegant.

za

Fat-bodied but tangy, with grapefruit and lime aromas and flavors. A touch of figginess and a tangerine note on the palate balance the flavor profile. There's lovely texture quite full for Sauvignon Blanc and a long ripe finish.

US

This is the 33rd vintage of this landmark Zinfandel, which, since it's a blend that includes just 74% Zinfandel in it, isn't technically Zinfandel at all. Whatever. It's just plain delicious, old-vine, succulent juice. Jammy, juicy, vibrant and tight, it has a long life ahead.

Canada

Shows pronounced oily, earthy, almost tobacco-like elements to its bouquet; also honey and clementines. Not overly rich, but flavorful and complete, with excellent balance. Like the other Colio Estate wines, this emphasizes subtle earth shadings over slap-you-in-the-face-fruit.

US

Full bodied and well-oaked, this full-throttle Zin comes on with intense blackberry and vanilla aromas and flavors accented by cinnamon and chocolate notes. Ripe and even on the palate, the handsome fruit plays out on the lengthy finish with tart, dark berry and pepper notes.