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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StateWays n www.stateways.com n May/June 2016 54 your mouth and linger on the finish with some sweet/tart acidity and soft tannins. It's silky smooth and perfectly balanced across the palate. Pair this with a good curry or Sate. ($19) (95) Trentadue La Storia Block 303 Zin- fandel 2013 (Alexander Valley). Grapes for this estate-produced gem come from head-pruned vines on Trenta- due's Estate Geyserville Ranch. It's aged for 13 months in European oak, 25% new barrels. There are floral and black fruit notes on the bouquet with a hint of that marvelous Alexander Valley volcanic terroir. Concentrated flavors of blackberry, black cherry and white pepper harmonize with toasty oak and butterscotch nuances. A hint of licorice shows in the finish. The texture is plump and velvety and har- monizes with supple tannins on the lengthy finish. An elegant, simply gor- geous Zin that will develop in bottle for several years. ($25) (94) Trinitas El Dorado Zin 2010 (Napa- Sierra Foothills, CA). Very complex, with black tea, tobacco, vanilla, dark plum, and cherries. Velvety tannins. Simply a great Zin! ($23.95) (94) Robert Craig, Howell Mountain Zin- fandel 2012. (Napa Valley, California). 100% mountain fruit and an absolutely unbelievable Zinfandel. Fleshy ripe black and blue fruits, silky layered im- pressive texture and, finally, nuances of eucalyptus and herbs on the long finish. This wine is about finesse and structure and delivers an incredible mouthful of Five Stars (95) Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel 2013 (Dry Creek Valley, CA). John Pedroncelli, Sr. planted the first vines for this classic in 1927. Vintage after vintage, the wine is unique and stylistic. There is a bouquet of lilac, black fruit preserves and spice. Concentrated fla- vors of blackberries, blueberries, clove and pepper coat the palate and finish with a lovely herbal nuance and a touch of Dry Creek terroir. Supple tannins balance out the whole and ensure that this wine will develop in-bottle for sev- eral years. It will complement an array of world cuisines. ($17) (95) The Federalist Zinfandel 2013 (Lodi, CA). A simply delightful, easy-to- enjoy style, loaded with classic varietal aromas and flavors of raspberry, Bing cherry and ginger. Medium-bodied, fruit-forward and loaded with classic Zinfandel spiciness. The flavors coat California Howell Mountain Zinfandel with each sip. Just treat yourself; you won't regret it! ($75) (93) Dashe Todd Brothers Dry Creek 2013. Blockbuster old-vine Zin. Dense and full-bodied with lots of black raspberry, black cherry and spice. It has the ability to be cellared for five years. Grill up a T-bone and enjoy. ($35) (93) Beran 2013 (Sonoma County, CA). Classic Zinfandel flavors with a nose of chocolate, baking spice, plums and blueberry make this wine a real crowd- pleaser. The palate has a touch of heat with notes of blackberries, acai berries, plums, cloves and blueberry jam. Soft tannins make this a very food-friendly wine. This Zinfandel doesn't need huge proteins to stand up next to big tannins; pair with BBQ, hard cheeses or even a great dark chocolate dessert! ($36) (92) Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2014 (Sonoma, CA). Seghesio has done a remarkable job of producing a consis- tently great wine from vintage to vin- tage. This vintage, however, is the best they have done in years. This wine has a beautiful deep color (owing to a dollop or two of Petite Sirah). Ripe and rich flavors of raspberry, blueberry and plenty of spice. This may be the best you can do in this price range. ($22.99) (92) Frog's Leap 2013 (Napa Valley, California). Made by the talented and funny John Williams. I love his ap- proach, making wines of place that are Rating System HHHHH Five Stars (92-100) A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an out- standing price/value relationship. HHHH Four Stars (86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. Retailer Wine Selections HHTHE ZEN OF ZINHHH We asked members of our panel to taste and evaluate ZINFANDELS. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which can vary from store to store and market to market). If you're a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you're interested in participating in the panel, please contact associate editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@epgmediallc.com or 203-855-8499 x2225.