A plummy, smooth style that serves up good coffee, black cherry, licorice and spice flavors. The finish has a slight resiny quality, which shifts to cherries at the end.——W.E.(11/1/2003)—— 86

If you do not care for a heavy, syrupy style of Zinfandel, then don’t try this. Although it isn’t stewed, it’s on that cusp in terms of ripeness. Earthy, barnyard aromas signal a deep, prune-driven palate. And the finish is also heavy, but by then the wine’s coffee, toffee and chocolate notes might be growing on you. ——M.S.(11/1/2002)—— 85