The 1997 Zinfandel Lodi (14.3% alcohol) is an excellent bargain. It possesses a deep ruby color, as well as excellent rich blackberry and cherry fruit and soil scents. In the mouth, it is medium to full-bodied, round, attractive, and mouth-filling. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.Tel. (707) 938-1960

Bright and lively, with juicy plum, black cherry, wild berry, cedar, tar and spice. Turns silky, with well-integrated tannins and crisp acidity. Drink now through 2002. 4,300 cases made. -JL

This is a lesser-known bottling from this superstar producer. Dark purple/black with classic spicy, intense fruit. Not too jammy; winemaker Joel Peterson gets the essence of the fruit without turning it into raspberry/blackberry preserves. It sits on the palate and sings for a long time.——P.G.(11/15/1999)—— 88