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/237970
#### (90) Renwood Fiddletown Zinfandel 2010 (California). Dark fruit, toffee and dark chocolate flavors with a long, long finish. ($21) #### (90) La Storia by Trentadue Alexander Valley Zinfandel 2011 (California). A smooth, full-bodied zin that presents aromas of dusty cedar, vanilla and cherry liqueur; subtle forest berry and ripe cherry flavors are sustained by well-concealed acidity and vanillin oak flavors; a pleasing hint of lavender surfaces in the finish. ($24) #### (90) Predator OV Lodi Zinfandel 2012 (California). These are 50+ year-old vines that produce fruit that is very concentrated and complex; great forward fruit flavors of black cherries and raspberries, with aromas of spice, espresso, and bacon fat; a real "chewy" wine, perfect with BBQ ribs or venison chili. ($27) #### (90) Tin Roof Cellars Zinfandel 2011 (California). Hints of strawberry on the nose with mouth-watering raspberry and currant flavors; soft and smooth finish; a good value. ($12) #### (90) Edmeades Mendocino County Zinfandel 2011 (California). Wonderfully layered with flavors of raspberry, smoke and hints of cocoa; a controlled concentration of fruit; the alcohol is also kept in a classic range making for a satisfying and enjoyable wine. ($17) #### (90) Montoya Zinfandel 2011 (California). Plenty of rich upfront fruit to keep any California Zinfandel lover happy; blackberry, plums, and blueberries are interwoven with black pepper on the velvety smooth finish. ($14) #### (90) Oak Grove Reserve California Zinfandel 2011 (California). Boasts deep raspberry and black pepper flavors that are fresh and vibrant; the finish is silky smooth and crisp; an excellent Zinfandel to pair with food. ($9) #### (89) 7 Deadly Zins 2010 (California). The aroma had subtleties that included sweet forest floor and raspberry; enjoyable fruit taste, followed with earthy berries; round tannins and a silky almost creamy mouthfeel; a long finish; a crowd pleaser. ($19) #### (89) Gravelly Ford Zinfandel 2011 California (California). The mild bouquet has some stewed fruit aromas leading off and then some ripe plum and cranberry aromas become better defined, and there is a subtle earth note too; medium-full and round, it is rich and fruity on the palate, showing real depth and good balance; a bit spicy, but the fruit flavors remain the star of the show. ($10) #### (89) Maggio Family Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel 2011 (California). Bright fruit on the nose with chocolate and raspberry jam flavors; great BBQ wine. ($11) #### (89) Cameron Hughes Lot 321 Field Blend 2010 (California). A smoky note opens the bouquet and ripe blueberry and candied cherry aromas quickly join in; impressive depth and a silky mouthfeel, while rich raspberry, blackberry and blueberry flavors roll across the palate; made from 78% zinfandel along with some petite sirah, carignan and mourvedre. ($15) #### (89) Cloud Break California Zinfandel 2012 (California). A generous Zinfandel that offers good value; denselypacked flavors of blueberries, pepper, and baking spices; a pleasurably crisp finish balances the upfront fruit. ($9) #### (89) Vicious California Zinfandel 2011 (California). Abundant, jammy flavors of blackberries and plums intermix with mocha and black pepper for a plush texture; the wine transitions to a silky smooth finish with echoes of cedar and spice. ($10) 44 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • January/February 2014 #### (88) Manifesto Lodi Zinfandel 2011 (California). Oak spice frames the bouquet nicely, with subtle black cherry and plum aromas; nice zing on the entry, but stays well balanced and has a tasty mix of ripe red berry flavors; less oak here (but still a noticeable touch), and a nice vanilla note arrives in the finish. ($15) #### (88) Tomei Cellars California Zinfandel 2010 (California). This is definitely a food wine, a zinfandel to complement your meal rather than overwhelm your palate; lovely fruit flavor with light tannins. ($17) #### (88) Cigar Lodi Zinfandel 2011 (California). This Lodi zin shows prunes and loam with medium tannins and weight on the palate, not overly-done like some but still a crowd- pleaser; serve with grilled foods. #### (88) Ringside Zinfandel 2010 (California). Has a pretty expressive bouquet at this price, with rich blackberry and brambly fruit aromas tinted with spicy oak; fruity and forward on the palate, while cracked black pepper brings in the finish and some licorice lingers in the aftertaste. ($9) #### (87) Brazin Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel 2011 (California). Spice, pepper, plum aroma; plum, spice flavors; nice tannins, medium long finish; good buy. ($14) #### (87) Cortenova Venezie Primitivo 2012 (Italy). Shows off more terroir than you would expect from such a modest wine, along with tea leaf and new wood; a touch tart up front and stays light bodied and mild throughout, as low acidity keeps the cherry and red berry flavors in focus. ($10) #### (85) Ravenswood Vintners Blend California Zinfandel 2011 (California). Black cherry, spice aroma; red fruit, pepper, spice flavor; moderate tannins, medium finish. ($9)