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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/51774
CHEERS WINE PANEL (91) Moss Roxx 2007 Lodi Ancient Vines Zinfandel (California). The bouquet is quite complex, full of spice, perfume and leather, and then candied cherries and ground tea aromas pop in; medium-bodied, soft and smooth, and the palate is as complex as the bouquet, very flavorful and well balanced; The long finish highlights the darker end of the fruit spectrum. ($23) (90) Calcareous 2009 Twisted Sisters Paso Robles Zinfandel (California). This nose of this rich zinfandel is filled with aromas of caramelized brown sugar and plum followed by concentrated flavors of blackberry, cherry and chocolate. ($20) (90) Calstar 2007 Lodi Old Vines Za-Za-Zinfandel (California). Lodi is to zinfandel as Napa is to Cabernet, and this one is really special; bold with fruit jumping out of the glass; a little bigger than many Lodi Zinfandels. ($17) (90) Dry Creek 2009 Zinfandel (California). A more traditional style zinfandel, with light tannins; the rich, deep black cherry and blueberry flavors linger on the palate. ($15) (91) Robert Biale 2009 Black Chicken Zinfandel (California). This wine has a nice brilliant, deep ruby color; silky tannins; bright blackberry, raspberry and juicy cherry fruit; textural round mouthfeel, toasted nuts, allspice, dried herb and a hint of five-spice. ($42) (91) Duckhorn Decoy 2007 Zinfandel (California). Beautiful red fruit with subtle spice expressions of an impressive zinfandel; it is full bodied and well balanced. ($20) (91) Montoya 2009 Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel (California). This old vine zinfandel hails from vineyards in Lodi; soft, velvety and brimming with ripe berry fruit; deftly balanced and a great value. ($15) (91) Rusina 2007 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel (California). This zinfandel is rich and concentrated with complex flavors of raspberry, black cherry spice and sweet vanilla jumping out of the glass; the tannins are silky and the wine has excellent structure. ($25) (91) Seghesio 2009 Sonoma Zinfandel (California). Balanced with berry fruit and a hint of plum rounded out with tannins and acidity; the texture coats your tongue with an elegance not often found in zinfandel. ($21) (91) St. Amant 2009 Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel (California). This old vine zinfandel comes from the Mohr-Fry Ranch Vineyard in Lodi; big and ripe with spicy blackberry and raspberry flavors. ($20) (90) Bogle 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel (California). Aromas of ripe raspberries and blackberries are also the big players in the flavor, joined by pepper and spice; juicy, full-bodied finish. ($12) (90) Bramblewood 2009 Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel (California). This zinfandel offers a nice balance between the big fruit flavors of boysenberry, raspberry and blackberry and the backbone of tannins and oak. ($17) www.cheersonline.com (90) Kenwood 2008 Jack London Zinfandel (California). A serious zinfandel; which well structured with layers of black cherry and brambleberry; toasty tannins enable it to hold up to a hefty meal like cassoulet or roast lamb. ($19) (90) OZV 2008 Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel (California). Made from 50- to 100-year-old vines; robust, jammy raspberry and chocolate flavors. It has a very soft mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish. ($16) (90) Predator 2009 Zinfandel (California). This wine has a rich ruby color with silky smooth tannins; a little bit of spice with notes of blackberry and vanilla in the finish. ($16) (90) Rancho Zabaco 2009 Heritage Vines Zinfandel (California). This bold, well-made zinfandel offers intense aromas and flavors of red and dark berries with a spicy edge; a good value. ($13) (90) Sobon 2010 Hillside Zinfandel (California). A nice Amador County zinfandel, the Hillside Zinfandel is a throttled- back version of Sobon's single-vineyard and old-vine bottlings; fine, ripe flavors of blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry with a hint of cherry and cranberry on the pleasingly tart finish. ($16) (89) Baus Family 2008 Sonoma Mountain, Private Reserve Zinfandel (California). The bouquet of this wine is zesty, almost hearty, earth and ripe 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) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 | 45