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/51989
berry flavors linger on the palate. ($15) (90) Kenwood Jack London Zinfandel 2008 (California). A serious zinfandel; well structured with layers of black cherry and bram- bleberry; toasty tannins enable it to hold up to a hefty meal like cassoulet or roast lamb. ($19) (90) Predator Zinfandel 2009 (California). Rich ruby color with silky smooth tannins; a little bit of spice with notes of black- berry and vanilla in the finish. ($16) (91) Plungerhead Dry Creek ValleyOld Vine Zinfandel 2009 (California). This is excellent in the nose, with tea leaf, light spice, subtle oak and a good beam of fruit in the background; forward, bright and juicy on the palate, yet perfectly balanced with spice notes; rich, black fruit compote arrives at the finish, which is long and luscious. ($20) (90) Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 (California). Aromas of ripe raspberries and blackberries are the big players in the flavor, joined by pepper and spice; juicy, full-bodied finish. ($12) (90) Rancho Zabaco Heritage more red fruit than black; there is plenty of spice, vanilla, and candied fruit throughout the long finish; very accessible; ready to enjoy now and over time. ($18) (90) Calcareous Twisted Sisters Paso Robles Zinfandel 2009 (California). The nose of this rich zinfandel is filled with aromas of caramelized brown sugar and plum fol- lowed by concentrated flavors of black- berry, cherry, and chocolate. ($20) (90) Calstar Lodi Old Vines Za-Za-Zinfandel 2007 (California). Lodi is to zinfandel as Napa is to cabernet, and this one is really special; big and bold with fruit jumping out of the glass; a little bigger than many Lodi zinfandels. ($17) (90) Dry Creek Zinfandel 2009 (California). A more tradi- tional style zin, with light tannins; the rich, deep black cherry and blue- Vines Zinfandel 2009 (California). This bold, well- made zinfandel offers intense aromas and flavors of red and dark berries with a spicy edge; a good value. ($13) (89) Joel Gott Zinfandel 2008 (California). A zinfandel made for food; nice bright fruit on the mid- palate is rounded off with nice acidity and a full berry finish. ($18) (89) Ferrari-Carano Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2008 (California). Deep pur- ple in color with aromas of fresh blackberries, boysenber- ries and raspberries; thick, rich mouthfeel bursting with wild berry preserves and black cherry syrup delight and con- trast with delicate tannins and notes of mocha, vanilla bean and toffee on the finish. ($22) (90) OZV Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel 2008 (California). Made from 50- to 100-year-old vines; robust, jammy raspberry and chocolate flavors. very soft mouth- feel and long, lingering finish. ($16) (89) Peirano Immortal Zin 2010 (California). Smooth with a nice core of wild berry and plum flavors that turns even more complex on the spicy, long finish; a nice value ($15) (89) Baus Family Sonoma Mountain Private Reserve Zinfandel 2008 (California). The bouquet is zesty, almost hearty, with new wood notes, earth and ripe bush berry aromas tinted with savory spice nuance; medium-full, round and rich, there is a light cocoa note framing the palate and a bevy of ripe, almost gushy fruit, but it has plenty of acidity to keep it dry; moderate finish. ($15) (89) Ironstone Reserve Lodi 2009 Zinfandel (California). The vines are aged 60-plus years and it shows in this deep, sultry zin; the brambly, earthy undertones are deco- rated by a beautiful plum-like fruiti- ness and a wonderfully balanced, chocolately oakiness that maintains the delicate albeit rich balance of this wine. ($17) (89) Zinsane Lodi Zinfandel 2010 (California). Bright fruit on the nose and rich dark berry flavors make this zin a notable value. ($14) Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • January/February 2012 • 35