A blockbuster effort, the 2004 Zinfandel Chookshed is comparable to a top Turley Zinfandel from Napa Valley. Aged for 18 months in 70% new French and 30% new American oak, there are 400 cases of this cuvee, which tips the scales at a lofty 16% alcohol. This stunning, pure, juicy, succulent Zinfandel exhibits aromas of spring flowers, blueberry liqueur, pepper, and spice. It is unquestionably the finest Australian Zinfandel I have ever tasted. If you haven’t yet noticed, Christian Canute is one of Australia’s finest young mavericks. At the ripe old age of 28, he’s doing work that suggests someone with twice as much experience.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283