Shows a delicate texture, almost Pinot Noir-like in lightness, yet offers a blast of berry, spice, tobacco, cola and bacon flavors that are lusty and ripe. The grapes come from the Green Valley, and the alcohol is low while acidity is high. Beautiful and classy, a Zin to drink with everything from salmon and steak to tuna and short ribs.——S.H.(10/1/2011)—— 92

This is the driest, most elegant and balanced of Ottomino’s new single-vineyard Zinfandels. It has a Cabernet-like structure, although the wild blackberry, mulberry, plum and exotic spice flavors are all Zin, as are the dense, sandpapery tannins. Good now with upscale rich beef and cheese dishes, and should develop gradually in the bottle for many years.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 92

A spice bomb that's loaded with black raspberry, licorice, smoke and meat notes, finishing with briary tannins. 536 cases made. -TF

When Russian River Zinfandel succeeds, and this one does, it marries the variety’s wild, feral personality to the valley’s perfect terroir to produce distinctive wines. Ottimino’s 2005 Von Weidlich is very tannic, but classic in presentation, showing blackberry, currant and intense black pepper aromas and flavors. Might tempt you to cellar it, but it’s best over the next year for sheer exuberance.——S.H.(3/1/2009)—— 92