A little too harsh and raw, and there’s heat from high alcohol, although there are other things to like about this Zin. It’s dry and spicy, with complex wild berry, currant, cola and beef jerky flavors. The alcohol is 15.4%. ——S.H.(12/31/2010)—— 86

Overripe, with raisined or stewed berry-cherry flavors, this wine also is deficient in acidity, which gives it a flat, syrupy feel. The high alcohol shows up in the hot finish.——S.H.(7/1/2008)—— 82

Toasty, smoky oak frames the spicy cherry, blackberry, coffee and tea flavors that are most apparent here. The wine offers firm, ripe tannins and a finish of moderate length.——W.E.(11/1/2003)—— 86