The 2006 Zinfandel Gino’s, from a vineyard planted in 1959, possesses spicy, peppery, strawberry and cherry notes, plenty of body, firm tannin, and good spice as well as length. This Zinfandel is best drunk in the first 3-4 years of life. Ed Sbragia, the highly renowned winemaker at Beringer, has settled into his own operation, producing just over 5,000 cases of reds and whites that focus on Sbragia’s strengths, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. He is also experimenting with small quantities of Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc. Tel. (866) 222-4342

Ed Sbragia brings his signature winemaking approach to this dry, massive wine. It’s like Zin on steroids, offering a blast of wild red and black cherry, black pepper, thyme, anise, mocha and smoke flavors that are wrapped into firm tannins. Now–2012.——S.H.(10/1/2009)—— 89