2003 JC Cellars Zinfandel Iron Hill Vineyard

(16% alcohol) Bright, dark ruby-red. Blackberry, licorice, orange peel, spice cake and herbs on the nose, with a whiff of slightly dull oak. Then juicy and intense in the mouth if a bit youthfully aggressive, with black fruit and pepper flavors. Fairly powerful on the back end, with some drying tannins.

The 2003 Zinfandel Iron Hill Vineyard (98 cases from another steep hillside parcel) reveals a saturated ruby/purple color as well as impressive levels of rich, briery, concentrated, sweet fruit (raspberries, cherries, blueberries), plenty of pepper, a distinctive, earthy terroir component, and a spicy, full-bodied finish with tart acidity providing uplift. It is a classic, high octane, gorgeous Zinfandel to drink over the next 5-6 years. Tel. (510) 749-9463; Fax (510) 864-0897