Trentadue’s Old Patch Red is consistently one of California’s finest wine bargains, and their screw cap-finished 2004 (76% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, and 8% Carignane) is reminiscent of a French Cotes du Rhone. An exuberant, peppery, spicy nose offering up scents of black currants, plums, and cherries is followed by sweet, medium-bodied flavors, a plush texture, and gorgeous purity. The result is an alluring, value-priced wine that can be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years. The good news is that there are 7,000 cases of this beauty. Tel. (707) 433-3104

Tastes like an old field blend wine, with all kinds of wild berry, chocolate and Asian spice flavors that finish hearty and fulfilling. There’s a bit of sweetness in the finish, and plenty of acidity.——S.H.(12/31/2006)—— 85