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www.cheersonline.com 46 • May 2016 THE ZEN OF ZIN (95) Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel 2013 (Dry Creek Valley, CA). John Pedroncelli, Sr. planted the fi rst 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 fl avors of blackberries, blueberries, clove and pepper coat the pal- ate and fi nish 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 the bottle for several 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 fl avors of raspberry, Bing cherry and ginger. Medium-bodied, fruit-forward and loaded with classic zinfandel spiciness. The fl avors coat your mouth and linger on the fi nish 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 satay. ($19) (95) Trentadue La Storia Block 303 Zinfandel 2013 (Alexander Valley, CA). Grapes for this estate-produced gem come from head-pruned vines on Trentadue's Geyserville Ranch. It's aged for 13 months in European oak, 25% new barrels. There are fl oral and black fruit notes on the bouquet with a hint of that marvelous Alexander Valley volcanic terroir. Concentrated fl avors of blackberry, black cherry, and white pepper harmonize with toasty oak and butterscotch nuances. A hint of licorice shows in the fi nish. The texture is plump and velvety and har- monizes with supple tannins on the lengthy fi nish. An elegant, simply gorgeous 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 Zinfandel 2012. (Napa Valley, CA). 100% mountain fruit, this is an absolutely unbelievable zinfandel. Fleshy, ripe black and blue fruits, silky layered impressive texture and, fi nally, nuances of eucalyptus and herbs on the long fi nish. This wine is about fi nesse and structure and delivers an incredible mouthful of California's Howell Mountain zinfandel with each sip. Just treat yourself to this wine—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, WINE PANELISTS RATE AND REVIEW A SLEW OF 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. PHOTO CREDIT: ©ISTOCK.COM/GILAXIA