Alexander Valley does some excellent work with Zinfandel, and all three Zinfandels I tasted were noteworthy. The 2013 Zinfandel Temptation, which is 92% Zinfandel, 4% Grenache, 3% Petite Sirah and 1% Syrah, aged nine months in American oak, shows loads of peppery, spicy, meaty, Proven?al herbs mixed with licorice, briary fruit and damp, earthy forest notes. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.

A third Zinfandel, the 2012 Zinfandel Temptation (14.8% alcohol) is the most straightforward of these Zins. It offers lots of strawberry and black cherry notes, not as much spice as its two siblings and medium body. While carrying as much alcohol, it does not seem to be as big or powerful as the Sin Zin and Redemption, and appears to be more elegant and laid-back. Drink now-2019.

Raspberry, toffee, cherry pie and kirsch are the flavors of this lusty, pleasing Zinfandal from Alexander Valley Vineyards. It’s spicy and fresh, a great barbecue and burger partner. ——S.H.(5/1/2011)—— 86