Nice and dry, with black currant, orange rind, anise, tobacco, cocoa and spice flavors. But the wine lacks vivacity and zest, and so loses a few points. ——S.H.(12/1/2009)—— 85

Very good, savory Amador Zin, exuberantly rich in briary mountain wild blackberry, blueberry and loganberry flavors, with a huge dusting of spice: white pepper, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and, for the finale, a sweet dose of creme de cassis-laced cola. Yet the wine is thoroughly dry. Shows Zin’s ability to combine rusticity with elegance.——S.H.(10/1/2007)—— 91