Medium garnet with touch of brick, the 1993 Zinfandel Jackass Hill displays the most incredible perfume of kirsch, dried flowers, cassia, star anise and wood smoke with a core of plum preserves, hoisin, Black Forest cake and dusty loam plus a waft of sautéed herbs. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, the palate still possesses tons of preserved plums and dried berries layers with provocative sparks of exotic spices and a soft frame, finishing very long and very earthy.

Corked in the tasting, but two bottles guzzled down on Christmas Day were magical.Note to Readers: This wine was included in issue 103 in a section titled "Time and Chance Reveal All Secrets" in which Robert Parker described the characteristics of top American Zinfandels (robust, exuberant, supple, velvety-textured generosity displayed in an ostentatious manner) and emphasized the fact that they are meant to be drunk within 6-7 years of the vintage. The wines were tasted blind in December, 1995.