An impressive effort is the 2005 Zinfandel Snows Lake. A blend of 87% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, and 4% Syrah from, of all places, Lake County, it boasts a dark ruby/purple hue along with floral, blueberry, and boysenberry characteristics interwoven with black currant, camphor, earth, and oak notes. With crisp acidity, sweet tannin, and a long, heady finish, this elegant beauty is filled with substance. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. The ever reliable Kent Rosenblum continues to turn out a portfolio of delicious Zinfandels. Along with Napa’s Biale family and a short list of other North Coast producers, Rosenblum Cellars is as good as it gets when it comes to Zinfandel.Tel. (877) GR78-ZINS

This is a wine that’s soft in structure, and while it’s dry, it’s hard in tannins and the fruit has a baked taste like shrivelled raisins. Not an ager.——S.H.(12/1/2007)—— 84