The 2006 Syrah Lolita Ranch exhibits smoky, blackberry, and meaty characteristics, high tannins, but fabulously concentrated fruit that offers notes of tapenade, chocolate, and Chinese black tea. A tannic finish suggests another 1-2 years of bottle age will be beneficial. This cuvee should easily last for a decade. Martinelli’s Zinfandel portfolio continues to grow, with as many as five different offerings now available. The 2006 and 2007 Jackass Hill Vineyard cuvees were not tasted at this visit. However, the other four wines I tasted, all from steep hillside vineyard sites with the newer plantings planted from bud wood of both the Jackass Hill and Jackass vineyards, were brilliant. They are among the fullest-bodied, headiest, most distinctive Zinfandels made in California. Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-9463