The 2012 Zinfandel Dina’s Vineyard (14.8% natural alcohol) is a more Pinot Noir-styled Zinfandel with elegant black raspberry, kirsch, spring flower and spicy oak notes (35% new oak was utilized), and a medium-bodied, fine, lacy mouthfeel. It’s a Zinfandel behaving like a premier cru red Burgundy. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years.

Inky ruby. Bright cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by hints of dried rose, black tea and star anise. Lively cherry and dark berry flavors pick up spiciness with air, along with a touch of candied flowers. Shows good energy on the finish, which is firmed by youthful, fine-grained tannins. This rich but energetic zin will work well with strongly seasoned foods.

Offers a contrast of fleshy ripeness and firm, minerally tannins, with aromas of berry pie and spice leading to rich yet dense boysenberry, loam and caramel flavors. Drink now through 2020.

Glass-staining ruby. Spicy red and dark berry aromas are complicated by floral and smoke accents, with a hint of vanilla in the background. Juicy and precise in the mouth, showing understated blackberry and cherry flavors that gain sweetness with air. A graceful rendition of zin that finishes with very good clarity and energy.

The 2010 Zinfandel Russian River Valley is a big, exuberant wine bursting with dark black fruit, spices, mint and tobacco. This luscious Zinfandel is an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years. High-toned floral notes add lift and freshness on the finish. I especially like the way the wine turns more elegant and finessed with time in the glass. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.

Dense and ripe, but with a crisp and tannic backbone. Smoky black cherry aromas lead to tightly wound flavors of plum, anise and pepper.

Deep violet. Blackberry and boysenberry aromas are complicated by white pepper, mocha and licorice. Sappy, palate-coating dark berry flavors show liqueur-like richness and a touch of bitter chocolate. Quite full in the mouth, with good finishing breadth and persistent black and blue fruit nuances. I'd serve this with a strongly seasoned piece of grilled lamb.

Hartford Court’s 2007 Zinfandel Russian River reveals gorgeous sweet black cherry fruit, medium to full body, loads of spice, supple tannins, and that fresh exuberance that makes Zinfandel so appealing. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years.

Deep ruby. Fresh red and dark berry aromas, complicated by smoked meat, tobacco and fresh flowers. Surprisingly tangy on the palate, displaying intense, medium-bodied raspberry and blackcurrant fruit. Dusty tannins build with air, adding firmness to the long, intensely spicy finish.

Opaque purple color. Flamboyantly aromatic bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, licorice, sandalwood and fresh flowers. Deep, sweet and velvety, offering dense black and blue fruit flavors, soft tannins and building spiciness. Finishes with surprising vivacity and impressive persistence. This is already delicious.

The 2006 Zinfandel Hartford Vineyard comes from 92-year-old vines that are farmed biodynamically. A gorgeous briery, peppery, raspberry, and blueberry nose soars from the glass. The wine is deep ruby/purple-tinged to the rim, full-bodied, and almost Pinot Noir-like in its delicacy and nuances, but the power and heady alcohol (15.9%) in the finish reinforce the Zinfandel’s personality. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.

Deep ruby. Strong floral and spice notes accent cherry and raspberry liqueur, all lifted by bright minerality. Impressively energetic redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors show noteworthy elegance. Finishes on a precise red berry note, with fine tannins and very good persistence.

2005 ZINFANDEL FANUCCHI WOOD ROAD VINEYARD Hartford Court's 2005 Zinfandels are considerably lighter than previous vintages. It was a cool year and I suspect Zinfandel never received the heat it needs to achieve full power. The 2005 Zinfandel Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard offers elegant blueberry and raspberry aromas interwoven with hints of pepper and spice. Although medium-bodied, with more intensity, richness, and length than the Hartford Vineyard Zin, it does not possess as much power and richness as the 2004 or 2003....

This packs a lot of alcohol, but remains balanced and youthful. Berry cobbler and toasty licorice aromas lead to deep, rich flavors of boysenberry and bitter chocolate.—Blind '94/'04 California Zinfandel retrospective (March 2014). Drink now through 2017.

Retains a dark color and bold aromas of baked blueberry and licorice. The flavors show a touch of age, with hints of black tea and cedar leading to super jammy notes of black cherry and pepper.—Blind '94/'04 California Zinfandel retrospective (March 2014). Drink now through 2016.

Deep ruby-red. Crushed blackberry and licorice aromas. Primary and penetrating, with brisk flavors of crushed blueberry and spices framed by firm acidity. Finishes fresh and persistent, with sweet red fruit flavors and little obvious oak showing.

Quite lush. Richly textured and elegant, with a solid center featuring black cherry, plum, raspberry, chocolate, coffee, spice and herbs. Velvety tannins frame the plush layers of fruit that extend long on the finish. Editors' Choice.

Good bright medium ruby. Brooding aromas of black cherry, blackberry, violet and menthol. Juicy on entry, then muscular and bound-up today; more intense and more powerful than the Highwire but also a bit drier today. A touch of petit sirah gives this wine somewhat tougher tannins but also more grip.

Hartford's 2015 Zinfandel (Russian River Valley) is a gorgeous, entry-level wine. Succulent red cherry, tobacco, leather and spice all flesh out nicely. Drink this plump, juicy Zinfandel over the next handful of years.

A serious and dense Zinfandel, with dark cherry fruit, peach and cream supported by spice and oak. Good energy despite a little heat, and a more robust tannic structure than expected.

Tightly focused, with a sleek, vibrant structure, offering aromas of wild flowers and raspberry and lively but firm flavors of boysenberry, licorice and loamy spice.

Deep ruby. Smoke- and spice-accented dark berries on the fragrant nose. Shows brighter red fruits on the palate, which offers juicy raspberry and cherry flavors and a hint of candied flowers. Turns more tangy with air and finishes spicy, focused and long, with dusty tannins adding grip.

2019 Pacific Northwest Rosé Report The 2018 Gran Moraine Rose is an awesome new effort from this great Yamhill-Carlton estate. On the nose this shows off very light citrus and red fruit aromas that improve with some air. The palate errs towards brightness, rather than richness, as the wine reveals a wonderful feel of minerality, with delicate red fruits and lemon rind flavors.

Very pale copper color. Bright, airy, elegant nose of white pepper, rose petals, chalk dust, with white cherries, wild raspberries, and strawberry bushes. On the palate this is crisp and vibrant but there’s a lot of textural depth. Vibrant strawberries, red cherries, raspberries, with complex notes of rose petals, sea salt, white pepper, chalk dust. Bright and elegant, this has a crunchy, floral yet juicy feel that is all wrapped up nicely.