The 2005 Zinfandel “Chookshed” was aged in 100% new oak, 70% French and 30% American, for 18 months. It is purple-colored with an enticing nose of briar, bramble, and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied (16.5% alcohol), layered, and intensely flavored, it comes off as a dead-ringer for Martinelli’s “Jackass Hill” Zinfandel. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. Rusden is owned by Dennis and Christian Canute with the talented Christian serving as winemaker. The vines were planted in the early 1970s in the tenderloin of the Barossa. Christian Canute has a unique ability to produce wines of great finesse combined with the intensity and power obtained from Barossa Valley fruit.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; www.rusdenwines.com.au; Also tasted: 2006 Chenin Blanc “Christian” (83)

A briary, open-knit Zinfandel with hints of strawberries on the vanilla-scented nose. Juicy and berry-filled on the palate, with ample varietal character, accentuated by zesty acidity on the finish. Drink now–2010.——J.C.(11/1/2007)—— 88