A mix of ripe, zesty, flashy blackberry and raspberry fruit with an underlying sense of elegance and grace, especially for Zinfandel. Finishes with a touch of herb, green olive and cedary oak. Drink now through 2008. 8,300 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Sonoma / Dry Creek Valley Select to Add

Souverain’s dark ruby-tinged, straightforward, monolithic 2002 Zinfandel barely makes the grade. A decent bistro red, it offers pleasant, charming fruit in addition to a clipped finish. Consume it over the next 1-2 years. Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174

Firm oak shadings mix with ripe wild berry, cherry and dry, tangy, earthy, green olive flavor. Best to decant. Drink now through 2007. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 9,168 cases made.??–JL??Region: California / Sonoma / Dry Creek Valley Select to Add

The soft, briery, medium-bodied, easy-going 2001 Zinfandel is meant for near-term consumption. While there is not a lot of depth, it is soft, fruity, and attractive. Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174

2000 is an irregular vintage for Zinfandel, but Chateau Souverain has fashioned a straightforward, well-made, dark ruby-colored, spicy 2000 Zinfandel offering sweet aromas of ripe cherries and briery fruit. It is best consumed over the next 2-3 years. About 13% Petite Sirah was added to the blend for bulk. Tel. (707) 433-8281; Fax (707) 433-5174