St. Francis Winery-Amann Vineyard-Old Vines Zinfandel-Dry creek Valley-California-2005-$35.00- A big bold nose of rich cherry fruit. Dark black color. Huge flavor, dark black berries, rich, spice, chocolate in syrupy concentration. This is a reserve wine that is only available to wine club members or at the winery which I visited a few years back (great tasting room) or maybe some better wine stores. This was one of the best Zins I have ever had. NR CR-5 Good with pasta, meats, chicken.
Terroir Napa Valley-B. Shifrin Cellars-Howell Mountain-Napa Valley-California-Zinfandel-2005-$26.98-This is one of Wine Library’s Tribute Series wines that they make and bottle. Bobby Shifrin is one of the original employees that has over 20 years at the Wine Library, which is one of the most successful wine/liquor stores on the East Coast. Has a big nose, fruit forward, still being 4 years old it can benefit from being decanted since it’s still a big wine. Dark in color, dark fruit, great taste, once it opens, very smooth, well worth the money. Available only at the Wine Library which is located in Millburn, N.J. NR CR-4-4.5 Great with pasta, steak, rips, burgers.
Turley Wine Cellars-Moore “Earthquake” Vineyard-Zinfandel-Napa Valley-California-2004-$55.00-A big nose of concentrated berries, very dark in color. A opulent, now smooth with bottle age, raspberries, earthy, a little spice, a treat wine, an awesome Zinfandel. I visited Turley’s vineyards a few years back, they are known for many some of the world’s best Zins. RP-90-93 WS-88 CR-4.5-5 Good with meats, pasta, chicken.
Baxter Winery-Francis Fashauer Vineyard-Zinfandel-Mendocino Ridge-Califronia-2004- $40.00-A jam bomb of dark fruit, black ruby red in color. This was my last bottle of this year and since I had last drank it like 1 plus years ago I was hoping that it was still as good as I had remembered the last time. I was not disappointed, for those that love a fruit forward, jammy experience, borderline portlike in a Zin then this is heaven. One of the best Zins I have ever had, wish I still had a case. (this year can be still be purchased on their website). NR CR-5 Good with pasta, chicken, meats.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyard-Nuns Canyon Vineyard-Zinfandel-Sonoma Valley-California- 2005-$35.00-A spicy nose of dark fruit, nice very dark amber color. A smooth enjoyable Zin, blackberry, jammy, toasted oak flavors. These reserve Zins are only available online of at the winery. St Francis always makes great reserve Zinfandels. NR CR-4.5 Good with meats, pasta, chicken.