StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions
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tle baking spice and vanilla nuances. ($35) ##### (93) Block 919 Dry Creek Zinfandel 2012 (California). Complex, offering ripe flavors of black cherry, raspberry, plum and wild berry that come together and finishes with a rich, long aftertaste. ($25) ##### (93) Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel 2011 (California). Made in the classic style with mid-palate acidity, dark cherry and raspberries and moderate alcohol; for the consumer that eschews the too-ripe style of zin. ($20) ##### (93) Cline Ancient Vines Contra Costa County Zinfandel 2011 (California). Intense aromas of lilac, rose petal, and spicy black fruit that lead to concentrated flavors of blackberry, currant, and wild plum along with notes of clove, allspice, and "cigar box"; the finish is long and zesty with lip-smacking sweet/tart acidity. ($17) ##### (93) Deux Amis Sonoma County Zinfandel 2009 (California). There are lovely notes of wildflower, berry, and plum with a hint of the "terroir" of the vineyards of Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys; a Rhone-like earthy nuance that makes this a great match to lamb, game and grilled steak. ($20) Rating System ##### Five Stars (92-100) A top-flight 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 above-average 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. 38 ##### (93) Scott Harvey Amador County Mountain Selection Zinfandel 2010 (California). A classical Amador style; richly aromatic with ripe, concentrated flavors of blackberry and cherry preserves with hints of coffee and spice; balanced by supple tannins on the finish. ($20) wild cherry; long and elegant. ($25) ##### (93) Moss Roxx Ancient Vine Zinfandel 2010 (California). This wine is from 50-year-old vines; big and bold with flavors of raspberry, chocolate and spice. ($25) ##### (92) Layer Cake Primitivo 2008 (Italy). Balance of fruit and pepper with almost a creamy texture; deep structure and warm rich fruit add to this powerful yet elegant powerhouse. ($17) ##### (92) Ca' Momi Napa Valley Zinfandel 2012 (California). A soft, easy-to-enjoy style with nuances of blackberry, cherry, plum and spice; a hint of vanilla and clove on the finish with supple tannins; lovely and a great value. ($14) ##### (92) Federalist Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Sonoma Zinfandel 2010 (California). Plum, cherry aroma; plum, blackberry, cinnamon flavors; firm tannins, long finish ($27) ##### (92) Hartford Old Vine Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2011 (California). Made from vines that average over 85 years of age, the wine is a deep, inky ruby red; wild cherry and raspberry aromas are coupled with hints of rose, spiced tea and fennel; lively red and dark berry flavors pick up spiciness as the wine breaths; shows good length on the finish, which is enhanced by well grained tannins. ($38) ##### (92) Fritz Estate Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2011 (California). Exhibits seductive aromas of raspberries and toasty oak; there are delicious flavors of blackberries, spice, and black pepper which are well balanced by a focused, vibrant finish; a captivating California Zin. ($25) ##### (92) Five Vintners Dry Creek Zinfandel 2009 (California). An immaculately proportioned red with a perfumed nose of subtle ripe cranberry, dark cocoa, and a hint of wood smoke; medium to full-bodied, with a wonderful silkiness and polished flavors of boysenberry, raspberry syrup and ##### (92) Jeff Runquist Z Amador County Zinfandel 2011 (California). Blended with 18% Petite Sirah, this is a deep purple wine with red currants, raspberry and chocolate flavors with a velvety finish. ($26) Four Stars #### (91) Elyse Korte Ranch Vineyard Napa Zinfandel 2009 (California). Rich purple in color with ripe red and black fruit aromas that draws you to the glass; lush, textured palate bursting with raspberries, sweet cherries, plums, caramel, and hints of vanilla; rich and jammy while remaining balanced on its way to a long finish. ($34) #### (91) Za Zin Lodi Zinfandel 2009 (California). Originally a second label for Laurel Glen, and the sequel to the "Reds" series; almost black color in the glass; rich, viscous, "chewy" and intense; hints of tea, leather, tobacco, and rich black fruit on the nose; long velvety finish. ($36) #### (91) Sentall Cellars Dry Creek Sonoma Zinfandel 2011 (California). Classic Dry Creek style zinfandel, balancing fruit with judicious use of oak; it embodies terroir: soil, minerals, water and sunlight with the vines; this wine over-delivers. ($38) #### (91) Earthquake Zinfandel 2010 (California). This is a big, bold, jammy zin, full bodied and loaded with berries. ($30) #### (91) The Fugitive Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2012 (California). Full-bodied and voluptuous with jammy blackberries, raspberries, and spice; a crisp finish laced with well-integrated tannins provides great balance on the smooth finish. ($28) StateWays I www.stateways.com I January/February 2014