ZIN TASTING @ FRANK AND DINO'S - DEERFIELD BEACH, FL - (4/3/2012)

ZIN TASTING @ FRANK AND DINO'S - DEERFIELD BEACH, FL - (4/3/2012)

•2007 Martinelli Zinfandel Giuseppe & Luisa - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Smooth, sweet but not too hot. Fruit was primary: blueberry and black cherry. All fruit, not a lot of pepper or secondary flavors. Very well balanced. A reason to stay on the list. (92 pts.)

•2004 Linne Calodo Leona's - USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
Herbal nose, some menthol and a good dose of heat with a white pepper chaser. Some green notes but followed by soft yet tart red fruit - JOlly Rancheresque. (87 pts.)

•2007 Turley Zinfandel Cedarman - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
So easy to drink. Red and blue fruit with some raisins at back end. Simple but good with nice acidity on the finish. A lighter/one dimensional style. (91 pts.)

•2009 Robert Biale Zinfandel Stagecoach Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley
Note that I was in the minority on this one. For wome, it was ranked as one of the best of the night. Light fluffy zin that was too jammy for me. Chambord llike flavor profile. (85 pts.)

•2001 Hartford Zinfandel Hartford Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Vibrant, dark chocolate with awesome red cherry, plum and blueberry. Not showing its age. This wine is in a great place and my WOTN. (95 pts.)

•2010 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Old Vine - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
Too young but has the stuffing for greatness. THis is a big wine that is vibrant and alive. Sexy and muscular. Nice baking spice component with black fruit. A bit tight and wound up. Many thought it lacked a mid palate and said it wouldn't hold up. Others thought it lacked finish. I disagreed. (93 pts.)

•2003 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Softer and more feminine than the 2002. More suited to my palate. Rich red fruit - cheries and some red plum. Acidity comes through nicely, holding it together. (94 pts.)

•2002 Martinelli Zinfandel Jackass Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
At first, I thoguht this was going to be an OMG wine until we stood it up against the 2003. It had some heat on the ehty but was full of fruit. As it sat in the glass, it picked up a mocha component that was jisjointed and flat compares to the '03. (89 pts.)

•2007 Vineyard 29 Zinfandel Aida Estate - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
SEamless blue fruit that packed a punch. Loved it. Last wine of the night so there were less notes but still very memorable. I would seek it out. (94 pts.)