An impressive effort is the 2005 Zinfandel Snows Lake. A blend of 87% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah, and 4% Syrah from, of all places, Lake County, it boasts a dark ruby/purple hue along with floral, blueberry, and boysenberry characteristics interwoven with black currant, camphor, earth, and oak notes. With crisp acidity, sweet tannin, and a long, heady finish, this elegant beauty is filled with substance. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. The ever reliable Kent Rosenblum continues to turn out a portfolio of delicious Zinfandels. Along with Napa’s Biale family and a short list of other North Coast producers, Rosenblum Cellars is as good as it gets when it comes to Zinfandel.Tel. (877) GR78-ZINS

This is a wine that’s soft in structure, and while it’s dry, it’s hard in tannins and the fruit has a baked taste like shrivelled raisins. Not an ager.——S.H.(12/1/2007)—— 84

Compared to its siblings, the 2004 Zinfandel Red Hills Snow Lake Vineyard is more simple. While offering plenty of blue and black fruits, soft tannin, and nicely integrated acidity, it does not reveal the nuances or aroma and flavor dimensions found in the other cuvees. Tel. (510) 865-7007