The 2007 Zinfandel Forchini Vineyard (14.8% alcohol) displays a dense ruby/purple color along with aromas of brambleberries, jammy strawberries, earth, wood spice, and pepper. Full-bodied, rich, and powerful, it is a youthful, yet striking Zinfandel that should last for 8-10 years. The single vineyard Pinot Noirs are made from a wide range of California vineyards, primarily in the north, with Russian River and Sonoma Coast dominating, but there is also an Anderson Valley site (Ferrington), San Benito site (Vista Verde), and Yorkville Highlands (Weir). The Chardonnays are nearly as powerful as the Zinfandels in terms of alcohol strength, ranging from 14.5% to 14.8%. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546

A big, boldly powerful but elegant Zinfandel, full-bodied in the mouth and dry, offering waves of ripe fruits and spices. The cool 2007 vintage has kept the wine from being too ripe, resulting in balanced flavors of blackberries, currants, licorice, bacon, cocoa, black pepper and Asian spices. Just terrific. Drink over the next six years.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 93