An excellent bargain in Zinfandel is the 60,000-case cuvee of the 2006 Zinfandel Heritage Vines. Aromas of pepper, roasted herbs, smoked meats, charcoal, and briery, red mountain fruits jump from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, heady, lush, fleshy Zinfandel. Consume it over the next 3-4 years. www.ranchozabaco.com

Bring out the barbecue. This robust, heady Zin has upfront black currant, licorice and mocha flavors that finish with a generous dusting of pepper and other Asian spices.——S.H.(11/15/2008)—— 85