2008 Zinfandel Tofanelli Vineyard

The dark ruby/plum-colored 2008 Zinfandel Tofanelli Vineyard offers up aromas of raspberries and black cherries, and heady alcohol in the finish that provides glyceral sweetness. However, the wine is technically dry as well as round, generous, and plump. Drink it during its first 4-5 years of life. As I have said many times, the most underrated varietal (especially if you are a connoisseur or collector wanting to age California wines for 10-20 years) is Petite Sirah, which ages just as well as the finest Cabernet Sauvignons. In fact, it ages more slowly, and in 2009, well-cellared examples from the late 1960s and early 1970s continue to be remarkable wines. All of the following wines are noteworthy, and I am sure they will still be drinking beautifully in 25, 35, perhaps even 40 or more years. They need plenty of time to age, and because they have never been fashionable, their prices tend to be realistic. That said, you have to be a masochist to drink these wines young as they are massive, inky/blue/black, super-concentrated offerings that need at least 8-10 years of bottle age. Tel. (707) 963-0940; Fax (707) 963-8683