The 2010 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard is a relatively floral, delicate wine with good definition in its aromas and flavors. This is a surprisingly feminine wine that, while attractive, doesn’t show a lot of site-specific signatures, which is a shame as Monte Rosso is one of the great Sonoma sites. I suspect the challenging vintage, which was truly brutal for Zinfandel, is the main reason why. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Tel. (707) 938-3783

Far more interesting than the 2010, Amapola Creek’s 2009 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard emerges from the glass with juicy dark cherries, plums, tobacco, smoke and new leather. This mid-weight, gracious Zinfandel comes across as a bit restrained in style, but it nevertheless possesses gorgeous balance and intensity. Sweet, perfumed notes add an attractive sense of lift on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019. Tel. (707) 938-3783