Dry, tannic and well-structured, this wine erupts with white pepper aromas and flavors. Then the fruit kicks in, all blackberry jam, leather, espresso, bitter chocolate and toasted cedar wood. It’s different from the usual Lodi Zin, taking it to a higher plane of elegance and sophistication.——S.H.(8/1/2007)—— 90

Distinctly Zinny in the wild blackberry and raspberry flavors and that briary, brambly mouthfeel, with its overtones of pepper. This is a medium-bodied wine with very soft tannins. It’s dry, but there’s a creamy cocoa taste on the finish.——S.H.(8/1/2005)—— 85