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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/51774
CHEERS WINE PANEL Big-Bodied Zinfandels for Cooler Weather World regions, such as Italy, for many centuries. It is a classic, intense winter red wine and perfect for pairing with heavier dishes like roasts and stews. T (95) Benessere 2006 B. K. Collins Vineyard Old Vines Napa Valley Zinfandel (California). This is wine from a winery that deserves a more attention than it has gotten; it is potentially one of the finest zinfandels on the market. ($30) (95) Deux Amis 2007 Sonoma County Zinfandel (California). Aromas and flavors of lilac, blackberry, white pepper and clove all harmonize without being jammy; adds a bit of petite sirah for backbone and length; nice now, the 2007 will cellar for several years. ($18) Zinfandel 2009 LUVISI "1908" VINEYARD CALISTOGA NAPA VALLEY 15.3% ALC/VOL (95) Vermeil Luvisi 1908 Vineyard 2009 Zinfandel (California). The 1908 Block Zinfandel has bright, succulent fruit flavors that are just like biting into a juicy blackberry; with some peppery spice and tannins that balance the wine; a Napa Valley beauty that's mouth filling, intense and delicious. ($38) (94) Cline 2009 Ancient Vines Zinfandel (California). This wine has lush, ripe flavors of black cherry, raspberry, coffee and dark chocolate cover the palate and linger; great for grilled steak and game. ($17) (94) Ravenswood 2008 Old Hill Sonoma Valley Zinfandel (California). Blackberry and pepper aromas on this wine are followed by blackberry, pepper and spice flavors; big tannins; a very long finish. ($60) (93) Mara Dolinsek 2005 Ranch Russian River Zinfandel (California). Huge and jammy, this wine delivers gobs of purple fruits and begs for St. Louis-Style Spare Ribs in a sweet-n-spicy sauce. ($33) (93) XY 2007 Zinfandel (California). This wine has romas of raspberry and baked cherry pie; fresh fruit up front with a well-balanced finish; it is 100-percent zinfandel at its finest. ($17) 44 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 his hearty, red grape has long been venerated in California and its relatives have been grown in Old (92) Ca' Momi 2009 Napa Valley Zinfandel (California). This is soft and elegant with hints of black fruit, briar, and delicate spice flavors; a harmonious wine with beautiful varietal characteristics; simply delicious and a surprising value. ($12) (92) Cline 2009 Big Break Zinfandel (California). For serious zinfandel fans, this wine is exceptionally big and bold; with robust fruit and a firm tannic backbone. ($25) (92) Macchia Vineyards 2010 Mischievous Lodi Zinfandel (California). A fruit-forward wine that is the standard of all great Lodi wines; the rich, berry flavors are highlighted with a hint of soft oak. ($20) (92) A. Rafanelli Dry Creek Zinfandel 2009 (California). Ripe, jammy berry aromas lead to deep berry and oak flavors on the palate; a little spice on the finish makes this wine outstanding. ($45) (92) Ridge East Bench 2009 Zinfandel (California). A big, rich red that doesn't sacrifice complexity; classic black fruit and spice notes with a long, complex finish. ($30) (92) Storybook 2007 Mayacamas Range Zinfandel (California). This vineyard specializes in zinfandel; this is an old- style whopper zinfandel, with lots of fruit and lots of body. ($33) (91) Bella 2008 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel (California). Aromas of intense dark fruit are coupled with delicious gingerbread spice notes; well balanced and juicy with a hint of vanilla on the finish. ($25) (91) Brown 2009 Napa Valley Zinfandel (California). This wine is ripe and succulent combined with exotic spice; on the palate, balanced with deep, rich black fruit flavors and black pepper; a long finish completes this powerful wine. ($35) (91) Plungerhead 2009 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel (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 which create even more interest; rich, black fruit compote arrives at the finish which is long and luscious. ($20) www.cheersonline.com