Distinctly warm-country Zin, with its strong flavors of cassis, plum pudding and chocolate that come close to raisiny Port but successfully avoid it. As a result, it’s a rich and complexly delicious wine. It’s also very dry, and the alcohol is controlled. ——S.H.(5/1/2004)—— 89

From 109-year-old vines, an old-style field blend with It’s robust, full of body and flavor, rich and powerful. Runs wild with fruity flavors and stains the glass with thick syrupy cathedrals. —S.H.——S.H.(9/1/2002)—— 90

An intriguing wine from grapes grown close to San Francisco. Tastes more like a field blend than like 100% Zin, with pepper, currant and blackberry flavors. Some residual sugar has been kept in, making it drink like a liqueur. Well-made in a big, juicy, thick style.——S.H.(5/1/2000)—— 85