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 56 (90) Bogle Old Vine. Consistent, af- fordable crowd-pleaser. Lots of spicy cranberry and pink peppercorn make it perfect for summer cookouts. ($12) (90) Mountain View Clockspring Vineyard 2014 (Amador County, CA). Certifi ed organic, this lush Zin offers up deep spice, blackberries and a bit of anise. Dry-farmed. In American oak for 12 months. Perfect with ribs. ($11.95) (90) St Francis Old Vine Zinfandel 2013 (Sonoma, CA). Deep ruby in color, this wine begins with aromas of boysen- berry, clove and cinnamon, leading to fl avors of blackberry and black cherry fruit, with a hint of licorice leading to a long luscious fi nish. A classic Sonoma Zinfandel from vines aged from 55-to- over-100 years old. ($19.99) (90) Regio Old Vine – Old Clone (O.V.O.C.) 2012 (Lodi, CA). This is from some of the Scotto Family's older vineyards that truly defi ne the Lodi AVA. The wine is richly aromatic with bold, robust fl avors of blackberry, raspberry and allspice. It's beautifully balanced with soft tannins and zesty acidity. There are hints of pepper and terroir on the fi nish. It's perfectly enjoyable now, but will cellar for 2-3 years. This is the ideal "every-day" red wine that will pair with burgers, pizza, pasta, grilled beef or pork, spicier sea- food dishes, or Mexican cuisine. It's also an excellent value! ($13) (90) The One Armed Man Red Blend 2014 (Dry Creek, CA). A Zinfandel-heavy blend that gains richness with air; as- sertive fl avors of raspberry and black- berry along with vanilla and spice from the oak infl uence. Powerful fruit well blended with sensible use of oak pro- vides balance. ($35) (90) Inconspicuous Zinfandel 2014 (Lodi, CA). Powerful and balanced Zinfandel with fl avors of plum, black cherry and a hint of cinnamon. Full-bodied and rich in fl avor, the rigid tannins and plump- ness of the fruit are very complemen- tary. ($20) (90) Banknote Wine Co. "Counterfeit" Zinfandel 2011 (Sonoma County, CA). Not only was I impressed by the fl avor, I was also impressed by the packag- ing. The winemaker, Pete Nixon, was a graphic designer by trade. The "Counterfeit" Zinfandel is unique in its packaging but classic when it comes to all the fl avors you expect: big, juicy and jammy. After the hand harvest, the grapes go through full malolactic fer- mentation and are aged for 13 months in French oak. It opens with a touch of vanilla on the nose due to that French oak and big blackberry pepper jam. The palate has some toasty notes and a soft silky black pepper fi nish. This is a wine that doesn't need a food pairing, just a big glass and some great conver- sation. ($25) (90) Montoya Zinfandel 2013 (Lodi, CA). A lively Zinfandel that delivers rich aromas and fl avors of ripe plum, cassis, red currant and subtle notes of vanilla. This wine delivers lush structure and smooth approachable fruit. ($14) (90) The Fugitive Red 2014 (Dry Creek, CA). This Zinfandel is a heavy, bold, dense, powerhouse of a red blend that shows a huge fruit-driven profi le. A concentrated ripe wine that is mouth- fi lling, has good tannic structure, and soft oak notes. ($30) (90) Mad Duck Zinfandel 2014 (Lodi, CA). A rich, ripe Zinfandel with lush fl avors of black cherry and plum. Easy drinking. The wine is medium-bodied but rich in fruit and great in texture at the same time. ($12) (90) Four Vines Biker 2012. Smooth and plump. Lots of ripe raspberry and toasty vanilla. Great for BBQ ribs and pulled pork. ($15) (90) St. Francis Old Vine Zinfandel 2012 (Sonoma, CA). The nose announced that its use of oak and was verifi ed on the palate. A fuller-bodied experience. A heavier-handed red infl uenced by oak with integrated fruit. Defi nitively showing a warmer, higher-yield vin- tage. ($19.99) (89) Predator Old Vine 2014 (Lodi, CA). Fifty-year-old vines produce a slightly smoky, spice and cocoa-edged Zin. Sus- tainably grown, the wine is named for the ladybugs used to patrol for insects. ($14.95) (89) Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel 2013 (Lodi, CA). From vines averaging 85 years old, this wine has aromas of ber- ries and spice. On the palate, you will taste sweet dark fruit with a hint of black pepper leading to a long linger- ing fi nish. Lodi Zins tend to be a little on the jammy side and this wine is no exception, but it is a defi nite crowd pleaser. ($17.99) (89) 2012 Zinphomaniac Zinfandel. (Rus- sian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys, CA). Dark fruit aroma with plum clove. Blackberry, plum fl avors with hint of tobacco. Nice smooth tan- nins. Long fi nish. ($19.99) (88) Brazin Zinfandel 2012 (Lodi). Dark fuit aroma with some cherry. Plum, cherry and blackberry fl avors with some spice and pepper. Moderate tan- nins that end in a medium-long pleas- ing fi nish. ($13.99) (88) Federalist 2011 (Lodi, CA). It had a bright garnet leaning towards the orange-brown spectrum. The nose was pronounced with ripe fruit. The fi nish was lingering with balanced acidity and revealing layers of struc- ture as it opened. A very nice value. ($16.99) (88) Renwood BBQ Zin 2013 (Califor- nia). Aromas of cherry and strawberry leading to fl avors of boysenberry and cherry with touches of cedar and herbs. This wine begins very softly, but has plenty of fl avor and spice. Best enjoyed on the backyard deck or patio. A fun wine. ($12.99) (87) Howling Wolfe Zinfandel 2012 (Heaven Hills, WA). This 2012 vin- tage is a single-vineyard Zinfandel fermented on the skins and aged in French and American oak for 16 months. The initial nose on this wine isn't like a basic Zinfandel at all, with notes of purple fl owers and pencil shavings. The higher elevation and cooler climate lends this wine to a mineral fi nish and a palate of ripened plums, blueberries and raspberries. The oak comes through and balances with the dark fruits to a dry fi nish. A great choice with lamb shank and prime rib. ($20) (86) Sledgehammer Zinfandel 2013 (North Coast, CA). Blackberry and cherry nose. Blackberry, spice and pepper fl avors. Moderately high tan- nins. Fairly long fi nish. A best buy. ($10.99)