A little too sweet, with a candied taste of sugared cherries, blackberries and cola, and a dash of caramel. Other than that the tannins are very fine.——S.H.(4/1/2010)—— 84

A beautiful Zinfandel from a winery with lots of know-how. The wine is medium-bodied, with a graceful structure of finely ground tannins that makes it drinkable right away. The flavors are pure mountain Zin, intense in peppery currants, cocoa and licorice.——S.H.(3/1/2009)—— 91

Although it’s slightly rustic, with some sharpness, this is almost the perfect Zin for barbecue or something more prepared, like braised beef or pork ribs. It’s a comfort-food red, dry and full-bodied, yet clean, with an honesty that comes from the terroir. ——S.H.(6/1/2006)—— 87

From a tiny, four-acre vineyard, a wine that defines Amador Zin, which is saying a lot. Bright, briary and brambly fruit, like picking wild berries on a hot summer day in the mountains. The wine is totally dry, which is why the alcohol is so high, nearly 16%, but completely delicious. ——S.H.(9/1/2003)—— 90