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Ancient Peaks Zinfandel 2009
Winery: Ancient Peaks
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2009
Special Designation: (none)
Price: 15-20

Review:
A bouquet of of strawberry jam, raspberries, and blueberries comes to life in a glass. Flavors of cherry, raspberry and blackberry emerge on the palate with accents of pepper and vanilla. A light, very approachable Zin, if you like soft and fruit-driven over bold and peppery, this is a bottle for you.
Rating: 90

Cedarville Zinfandel 2009
Winery: Cedarville
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Region: El Dorado County
Year: 2009
Special Designation: (none)
Price: 20-25

Review:
A bouquet of leather, blackberry, raspberries, and white pepper rises from a glass.
Flavors of dark berries come forth on the palate accented by leather, spice, and a hint of minerals. The wine has a hearty character that's perfectly balanced with the fruit and has just enough spice for a lively accent. This is a bottle for fans of classic Zins.
Rating: 91

Lone Madrone Old Hat 2008
Winery: Lone Madrone
Grape(s): Zinfandel (72%) & Petite Sirah (23%)
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2008
Special Designation: Old Hat
Price: 40-45

Review:
The nose offers a deep bouquet of dark berries, clove, and spice. On the palate, flavors of cherry, blueberry, and boysenberry meld with notes of sweet spice and coffee. A rich, dark wine, with ample fruit and balanced tannins, fans of supple reds with enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 90

Lone Madrone The Will 2007
Winery: Lone Madrone
Grape(s): Grenache Noir, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2007
Special Designation: The Will
Price: 30-35

Review:
On the nose, aromas of cherry, raspberry, and red apple are accented by notes of pepper and licorice. The palate is rich with red fruit flavors along with bright notes of pepper, a touch of anise, and a hint of earth. A bold, concentrated wine, fans of more robust, peppery reds will really enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 90

Midnight Cellars Zinfandel 2008
Winery: Midnight Cellars
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2008
Special Designation: Estate
Price: 25-39

Review:
A bouquet of raspberries and blackberries with accents of spice, herbs, and vanilla rises from a glass. Flavors of raspberry, blackberry, and plum come together with notes of earth, vanilla, and spice on the palate. A nice, lively wine that lives up to what a traditional Zin should be, fans of reds with a bright acidity and some spice will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 92

Opolo Zinfandel 2009
Winery: Opolo
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2009
Special Designation: (none)
Price: 25-30

Review:
Aromatics of cherries, raspberries, and plum combine with notes of spice and vanilla on the nose. With a sip, flavors of cherry and boysenberry meld with suggestions of sweet spice and white pepper. Fans of lighter Zins, with only subtle spices, will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89

Shannon Ridge Barbera 2008
Winery: Shannon Ridge
Grape(s): Barbera
Region: Lake County
Year: 2008
Special Designation: "Single Vineyard"
Price: 20-25

Review:
On the nose, aromas of boysenberries, black cherries, a hint of smoked meat, and cocoa greet the senses. Flavors of cherry and blackberries meld with notes of leather, dark-chocolate, and a hint of spice on the palate. A bright wine that's still rich with fruit and a bit of complexity, it's geared for food. Fans of more lively, layered reds will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 90

Shannon Ridge Wrangler Red 2008
Winery: Shannon Ridge
Grape(s): Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Tempranillo
Region: Lake County
Year: 2008
Special Designation: Wrangler Red
Price: 15-20

Review:
Aromas of cherries, plums, and blackberries along with a suggestion of bacon can be found on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of cherry and blackberry with accents of oak, barrel spice, and leather. A lively, fairly bright wine with a nice structure, it may be a bit bold for some people by itself, but it's great for foods like pizza or BBQ.
Rating: 90

Summit Lake Zinfandel 2007
Winery: Summit Lake
Grape(s): Zinfandel
Region: Napa Valley
Year: 2007
Special Designation: (none)
Price: 20-25

Review:
Lovely aromas of blueberries and boysenberries are accented by a hint of pepper on the nose. A sip unfurls lush dark fruit flavors rounded out by notes of spice and clove. A very smooth Zin, if you like layered, elegant wines, try this bottle.
Rating: 92

Tamas Double Decker Red 2009
Winery: Tamas
Grape(s): Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Barbera
Region: Livermore Valley
Year: 2009
Special Designation: Double Decker Red
Price: 5-10

Review:
Aromatics of dark fruit, game, and spice greet the senses. The palate offers flavors of blackberries and cherries that come together with highlights of pepper and smoked meat. A rich, red with moderate spice and well-integrated tannins, if you're looking for a nice, everyday wine that still offers a little pizazz, give this bottle a try.
Rating: 88

Thacher 2009
Winery: Thacher
Grape(s): CGrenache 48%, Syrah 36%, Mourvedre 16%
Region: Paso Robles
Year: 2009
Special Designation: (none)
Price: N/A

Review:
Aromatics of cherries, plums, and raspberries meld with notes of spice and greet the senses. Flavors of bright red berries come together with highlights of spice, vanilla, and cedar on the palate. A lighter, wine with a nice balance of flavors, fans of smoother reds that still offer a bit of spice will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 89