A muscular, yet restrained Zinfandel displaying the essence of blackberry bramble and raspberry jam balanced by a thread of licorice, leather, cedar and exotic spice. This is a wine to settle down with in front of the fire on a cold winter evening.

After two solid days tasting Zinfandels at the annual ZAP festival in San Francisco (the largest gathering of Zinfandel winemakers and enthusiasts in the world), this wine captured our attention immediately – unpretentious, understated and easy drinking. Aromas focus on sweet berry and licorice. Delicate fruit flavors complement the aromas while gentle tannins permit the flavors to shine through a nicely structured texture.

A claret style Zinfandel with full, jammy flavors of blackberry, raspberry, black cherry and wild berry flavors with a hint of black pepper and anise. A nice touch of acidity makes a clean, food friendly finish. Enjoyed it from appetizers through to dessert and wished we had more.

A complex wine offering aromas of ripe berry, dried plum, red currants These are echoed in the flavors where a hint tobacco, black pepper spice and sweet oak lifts the fruit flavors and carry them through a lingering finish.