The deep ruby/purple-colored 1998 Zinfandel Old Vines exhibits a big, sweet, toasty oak-scented nose with abundant quantities of black cherry and berry fruit. Muscular, full-bodied, deep, and low in acidity, it is a plump, mouthfilling, chewy Zinfandel for drinking over the next 3-4 years. Tel. (707) 833-4666

Intense, alcoholic, and wonderfully complex, with layers of toast, spice and fruit. The vines range from 50 to 80 years old or more; the wine is robust, balanced and muscular. St. Francis makes a flat-out wonderful Zin year after year, vintage after vintage, big and bellisimo. ——P.G.(3/1/2001)—— 91