Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/104187
Mendocino's prized zin properties, this is one of Greg Graziano's best wines; well structured and complex with rich, spicy black fruit aromas and flavors balanced with firm tannins; nice now, and lots of potential for cellaring. ($27) ##### (93) Saxon Brown Sonoma Casa Santinamaria Vineyard Zinfandel 2007 (California). Two years in French oak took none of the acidity out of this wine; well balanced throughout, bright fruit and beautiful purple color. ($30) ##### (93) Brutocao Family Vineyards Hopland Ranches Mendocino Classic Zinfandel 2009 (California). Pretty deep purple color, ripe red cherry notes; fruity but full and dry; hints of mocha and toast; earthy notes and spice in the mid palate; smooth, generous tannins in this harmonized wine. ($21) ##### (93) Sivas-Sonoma Old Vine Zinfandel 2010 (California). Sourcing from the new hot spot for premium zins, the Russian River Valley, this is wine of restraint, with R ATING S YSTEM ##### FIVE STARS (92-100) A topflight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. #### FOUR STARS (86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. ### THREE STARS (80-85) An aboveaverage wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy. ## TWO STARS (70-79) An average wine. # ONE STAR (50-69) A below-average wine. more natural acidity and freshness than its Dry Creek counterparts; jammy black raspberry fruit combines with the classic baking spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and brown sugar. ($35) ##### (93) Uvaggio Primitivo 2010 (California). From Lodi; if primitivo is believed to be the parent of zinfandel, this will eliminate all doubt; spicy, not-quite-jammy, sweet/tart on the palate with soft tannins on the finish. ($20) ##### (93) Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2010 (California). A wonderful zinfandel offering rich flavors of blackberry, blueberry, plum, chocolate and spice; wellbalanced with a delicious, long second finish. ($19) ##### (92) Paraduxx Z 2009 (California). This gorgeous zin blend shows deep garnet in the glass; complex aromas and taste of deep earthy bramble and vanilla cream spice; lush texture, tannic backbone rounded by full, ripe fruit finish. ($48) ##### (92) JC Cellars The Imposter 2010 (California). Deep in color and aromas; aspberry, chocolate and flowers on the palate lead to a lingering, balanced and elegant finish. ($40) ##### (92) Ravenswood Barrica Vineyard Sonoma Zinfandel 2010 (California). Back fruit nose; raspberry and blackberry flavor; substantial tannins; long finish. ($35) ##### (92) Ballentine Vineyards Zinfandel 2009 (California). Blueberries on the nose and palate followed by vanilla and clove spice; fine-grained tannins on the finish; great value for a Napa appellation. ($25) ##### (92) Nalle Dry Creek Zinfandel 2008 (California). A traditional old-style zin with mouth-filling bramble and balanced alcohol; rich black raspberry and purple plum; not for the faint of heart; pair with a thick steak. ($32) ##### (92) Puccioni Dry Creek Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 (California). Great Dry Creek Valley character; wild berries and cherries are noted in the beautiful dark fruits; accompanied by spice and cedar notes; good spice intensity. ($25) ##### (92) Green & Red Vineyards Napa Valley Chilies Canyon Vineyard Zinfandel 2009 (California). Year to year, this wine is consistent in flavor, body and depth; a no-fail wine that pleases every time. ($27) ##### (92) Hendry Blocks 7 & 22 Napa Valley Zinfandel 2010 (California). Restrained, concentrated raspberries on the palate with light spice; nice acidity makes this food-friendly. ($33) ##### (92) Moibus Alexander Valley Zinfandel 2009 (California). Alexander Valley produces very fruit forward wines, and this wine over-delivers; rich raspberry and blackberry fruit married with gentle tannins; almost like chocolate-covered cherries in a glass; great wine to pair with BBQ. ($25) ##### (92) Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com •January/February 2013 • 41