Soft, simple and dull, with sugary raspberry and cherry flavors that quickly pall. It’s hot, too, with incredibly high alcohol. ——S.H.(2/1/2012)—— 81

Soft and melted in the mouth, with jammy flavors of ripe mashed cherries and raspberries, drizzled with milk chocolate and anisette, and finished with a sprinkle of tangerine zest and black pepper.——S.H.(7/1/2009)—— 87

From a 1,700-foot vineyard high above the valley comes this compellingly delicious Zinfandel. A word of caution: The alcohol is 16.6%. But the wine isn’t at all hot, and high alcohol is the price you pay for the lush, ripe fruitiness achieved in this scorching vintage. Brims with cherries, blackberries, raspberries, chocolate and spice, finishing long and dry. ——S.H.(5/1/2007)—— 92