A tasty, elegant, medium ruby-colored wine, La Crema's 1997 Zinfandel Reserve offers attractive berry fruit, a round, open-knit texture, and a soft, easy-going finish. It should drink well for 2-3 years.Tel. (707) 547-4748

A Burgundian-like, straightforward, cherry and earthy spiciness in both the aromatics and flavors gives this wine a soft, easy-going, charming appeal. Neither deep nor complicated, it is elegant, pleasant, and ready to drink. Consume it over the next year.Tel. (707) 829-2609

The Sonoma Coast possesses extraordinary potential for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but I do not recall tasting many Zinfandels from this cool, coastal area. La Crema's 1995 Zinfandel Reserve comes across as somewhat one-dimensional and simple, but it does possess good fruit, a medium deep ruby color, moderate body, vibrancy, elegance, and overall, decent equilibrium among its component parts. It will not make old bones, so consume it over the next 1-2 years.Tel. (707) 829-2609