A colossal effort, the 400 case cuvee of 2000 Hartford Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard (from vines planted in 1904) boasts a mere 16 % alcohol. Raspberry liqueur intermixed with briery, berry fruit, and a distinctive pepper earthiness are characteristics of this full throttle, balls-to-the-walls Zinfandel. Dense and huge yet surprisingly well balanced, it will drink well for 5-6 years.

USA, California, Northern California: Napa & Some Sonoma New Releases Composed of 100% Syrah aged 21 months in 31% new French oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, the deep garnet-purple colored 2014 Outer Limits gives up pronounced black cherry cordial, blackberry pie and blueberry compote scents with hints of smoky bacon, star anise, garrigue, dried herbs and tilled soil. Full-bodied with firm, rounded tannins and tons of freshness, the palate is packed with spicy black fruits, finishing long and peppery.

From a coastal site overlooking the Pacific Ocean near Annapolis, this is cool-climate yet brawny in its grasp of cherry cola, black pepper and black licorice, that is wild and densely packed with power. Wild blackberry and blueberry come along for the ride, adding to the succulence of the midpalate, a nice contrast to the underlying gaminess and tobacco.

Offers a lively beam of crisp acidity, paired with complex and precise blueberry, raspberry, white pepper and licorice flavors that build richness toward a long finish.

Floral blueberry and stony mineral aromas open to spirited yet structured sweet anise and white pepper flavors that build tension toward refined tannins.

Exploring The Best New Releases from Sonoma and Beyond The 2017 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard is laced with the essence of dark cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, cedar and menthol. Pliant and forward, with plenty of bright supporting acidity, the 2017 has a lot to offer. The earthy, spicy side of Zinfandel comes through nicely.

Broad and burly, with concentrated blueberry and blackberry flavors accented by tar, licorice and smoked pepper notes. Builds power toward broad-shouldered tannins.

Opens with rich, supple fruit that quickly takes on power and depth, offering raspberry, lavender and rosemary notes, with white pepper accents.

The Surprise of 2015 in Napa and Other California Wine Reviewed This is very pretty zin with cherry, berry, black-pepper character. Full to medium body, light tannins and a flavorful finish. Lots of stem, moss and bark with wet earth at the end. Beautiful balance compared to the 2015. Drink now.

Medium-dark to dark purplish ruby color; very attractive, rich, deep, intense, briary, raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry fruit aroma with hints of dried herbs and cracked pepper; full body; big, rich, layered, brambly, blackberry jam flavors with a touch of mocha and a full, rich, plush mouthfeel; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Forward, rich fruit makes the wine very appealing to drink and enjoy now in its youth. Very highly recommended.

Rich and supple, balanced by a bright core of acidity and accented by notes of raspberry, crushed stone, herbes de Provence and white pepper.

Rich and supple, balanced by a bright core of acidity and accented by notes of raspberry, crushed stone, herbs de Provence and white pepper.

Named for the way part of the vineyard is planted, the vines trained on a high wire, this is a dense earthy red. (The site is also field planted to Carignane.) Juicy with plenty of acidity on the midpalate, it oozes blackberry, black cherry and white and black pepper, with a lasting hit of texture and freshness.

The 2015 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard is one of the more overt wines in this lineup. Juicy dark cherry, plum, smoke, licorice, tobacco and menthol infuse the Highwire. There is plenty of Russian River exuberance in this deep, fleshy Zinfandel.

Bright acids and expressive savory notes are two of the main signatures in the 2015 Zinfandel Hartford Vineyard. Incisive and powerful, the 2015 is loaded with personality. It also needs at least a few years to come into its own. Anise, sweet red stone fruit and lifted floral notes abound.

Planted more than 100 years ago by her family, this head-trained vineyard is still looked after by Dina. The wine's tart focused acidity zeroes in on candied-cherry and strawberry flavors. Sumptuous and brightly rich, it has undeniable structure and a lasting mineral element of oyster shell and brine.

Silky smooth, soft and concentrated, this hails from 100-year-old vines in the heart of the appellation. The wine is luscious in strawberry and black-cherry flavors. Expansive and boldly ripe, it has a core of richness that never overwhelms, finding companionship in a wisp of black and white pepper.

The 2015 Zinfandel Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard is exuberant and flamboyant to the core, and yet the wine has all the frame to handle that richness. A host of dark cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and tobacco add nuance throughout. Even with all of its intensity, the 2015 retains striking freshness and vibrancy.

Ten Years of Top 10's - The 100 Most Exciting Wines of the Decade of 2007-2016 2016 - #10

Tightly focused and balanced, with aromas of boysenberry, mint and crushed stone. Features deep, complex flavors of plum and blueberry, accented by hints of fresh anise, mineral and fresh white pepper. The tannins are big but ripe. Needs time.

Tightly focused and balanced, with aromas of boysenberry, mint and crushed stone. Features deep, complex flavors of plum and blueberry, accented by hints of fresh anise, mineral and fresh white pepper. The tannins are big but ripe. Needs time. Best from 2018 through 2026.

Dark red cherries, plums, lavender and sweet spices make a hugely positive first impression in the 2013 Zinfandel Jolene's Vineyard. Violets, smoke, mint and darker stone fruits develop in the glass, all supported by veins of bright acidity and tannin, both of which help convey freshness. This old-vine site on Olivet Road confers tons of pure personality.

Another beauty is the 2013 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard, which comes from century-old vines, half of which are head-pruned and the other half are trained on a trellising system, hence the name. Aged in 50% new French oak, it includes a small percentage of old vine Carignane in the blend. Terrific blackcurrant and kirsch liqueur notes intermixed with loamy soil, pepper, spice and unsmoked cigar tobacco are all present in this big, full-bodied, powerful Zinfandel. It should drink well for 7-8 years.

The 2012 Zinfandel Jolene’s Vineyard (300 cases produced) is a big, blockbuster effort at 15.6% alcohol. It possesses an unctuous texture as well as a huge nose of black raspberry, black cherry and floral notes with some charcuterie, roasted meat and bouquet garni in the background. Enjoy this supple, full-throttle red over the next 5-6 years.