I tasted four separate Zinfandels ranging in potency from 14.7% to 15.2% alcohol, and all were dominated by Zinfandel, although containing other varietals, particularly the 2013 Zinfandel Gino’s. This is a field blend of Zinfandel, Carignan and Petite Sirah, which was Ed Sbragia’s father’s favorite assemblage. A delicious, seductive style of Zinfandel that is readily accessible, the wine has a dark ruby color, nice briary berry fruit with dusty/loamy soil notes, a touch of pepper, and plenty of spice box. It is a rich, full-bodied and sexy Zinfandel for drinking over the next 3-5 years.

Zinfandel is one of Sbragia’s specialties and the three I tasted, all from the 2012 vintage, merit mention. The outstanding 2012 Zinfandel Gino’s reveals a dark ruby color, and copious notes of briary, raspberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with notions of earth, pepper, roasted meats, and Proven?al herbs. Medium to full-bodied and luscious, it is best drunk over the next 3-4 years.

The 2011 Zinfandel Gino’s reflects the difficulties of this vintage, especially for this varietal. Composed of 85% Zinfandel and the rest Carignan and Petite Sirah, all co-fermented, this wine has plenty of body, but it lacks flavor intensity, which is a vintage issue not anything done or not done by Ed Sbragia. Tel. (707) 473-2992

A rich, exuberant wine 2010 Zinfandel Gino’s Vineyard bursts from the glass with a heady melange of aromas and flavors. Sweet tobacco, dried savory herbs, mint and licorice all come together in this super-ripe, racy Zinfandel-based red. The 2010 is a classic old-vine Sonoma field blend consisting of roughly 86% Zinfandel, 9% Carignane and 5% Petite Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Ed and Adam Sbragia this year. These wines remain incredibly reasonably priced considering the quality of what goes in the bottle.Tel. (866) 222-4342

The 2009 Zinfandel Gino’s Vineyard is an exuberant wine long on character and personality. Dark red cherries, flowers, molasses, savory herbs and leather come together nicely in this flashy, but delicious wine. The Gino’s is a field blend that incorporates 10% Carignan and 5% Petite Sirah, all co-fermented, as was once the custom in the historic vineyards planted by California’s Italian heritage families. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Tel. (866) 222-4342