I thought the 1995 Zinfandel Brandlin Ranch to be a "close to the vest," earthy, spice-dominated Zinfandel, without the luscious fruit found in this wine in previous vintages. It is a very good Zinfandel, with a toasty oak-dominated nose. In the mouth, the wine offers red and blackcurrants, cherries, underbrush and minerals in its medium-bodied, slightly sculptured, lean finish. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.Dr. Rosenblum, one of California's most noteworthy practitioners of Zinfandel winemaking, has once again turned out a bevy of fine wines. There seems to be less difference between the individual Zinfandels than in recent years, but certainly the overall level of quality, with the exception of the Richard Sauret Vineyard offering, is reassuringly high.Tel. (510) 865-7007

Zinfandel enthusiasts have long admired the amazing job Rosenblum Cellars does with such a diverse array of Zinfandel grapes. In 1994, Rosenblum has again hit the jackpot with a bevy of textbook Zinfandels. The most impressive Rosenblum offerings are their single vineyard wines. The fabulous 1994 Zinfandel Brandlin Ranch Mount Veeder achieved nearly 15% alcohol. It is a massive, huge mouthful of unctuously-textured Zinfandel fruit. Thick, rich, and pure, with gobs of peppery black-cherry fruit, high glycerin, rich, gorgeous flavor extraction, and a whoppingly long finish, this is an unbridled, formidably-endowed style of Zinfandel that has managed to keep its sense of equilibrium. Drink it over the next 6-7 years. NOTE: All the wines in this article were tasted in May, 1996. Tel. (510) 865-7007

The 1993 Zinfandel Brandlin Ranch (13.8% alcohol) from a vineyard on Mount Veeder, possesses a floral component in its otherwise black-cherry and raspberry-scented nose. The color is an impressive dark ruby/purple, and the wine offers excellent purity, medium to full body, and impressive concentration. Moderate tannin in the finish lessens the wine's current appeal. For readers with the patience to wait a year or two, this may turn out to be an outstanding Zinfandel. It should age well for 10 years. Are there any other veterinarians making wines this good? Dr. Rosenblum's Midas touch with Zinfandel has been evident for a number of years and I am delighted to report that it continues with the 1993s. Tel. (415) 865-7007

The outstanding 1992 Zinfandel from Mount Veeder's Brandlin Ranch reveals a saturated dark purple color, a wonderfully pure, intense, mineral, cassis, and black-cherry-scented nose, great richness and ripeness, medium to full body, and layers of concentrated fruit buttressed by spicy oak and adequate acidity. This large-scaled, rich, harmonious wine should drink well for a decade. Tel. (415) 865-7007

The 1991 Zinfandel-Brandlin Ranch (from a vineyard on Mount Veeder) possesses fabulous purity and richness to its black-raspberry fruitiness. Full-bodied, with spicy, moderate tannins, and a multi-layered feel, this big yet gracefully made, well-balanced Zinfandel should last for 7-10 years. Rosenblum Cellars continues to rank among California's leading Zinfandel producers. In 1991 they have increased the size of their Zinfandel portfolio without any diminution of quality.