Five Vintners-Zinfandel-Dry Creek Valley-California-2008-14.5% Alcohol-$24.00-A nose of black cherry and spice, dark garnet in color. A medium to full bodied Zin, with dark cherry, blackberry with some vanilla toast and spice on finish, good not great. NR CR-87 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.
La Rioja Alta, S.A.-Vina Alberdi-Tempranillo-Reserva-Spain-2005-12.5% Alcohol-$15.99-A nose of some fruit and funk, dark garnet in color. A medium to full bodied Tempranillo with cherry, tobacco, and some vanilla, a bit disjointed and somehow hot despite low Alcohol level. Decant to get rid of funk smell. NR CR-85 Good with meats, chicken, pasta.