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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oak gives this full-bodied wine a long finish; velvety smooth tannins. ($21) #### (90) Avenel Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2012 (California). A jammy Zinfandel with unapologetically rich flavors of blackberry, cedar, and spice; full-bodied and generous with a smooth, bold finish. ($16) #### (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) 40 #### (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) #### (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) StateWays I www.stateways.com I January/February 2014