2005 Cigarzin California Zinfandel

Taste: 5/5

Value: 3/5

Price: $24

I bought this wine after describing to my friend who owns The Wine Cellar, a Sangiovese from Delonega GA that had such a divine, smokey taste. He suggested Cigarzin. In comparison, it wasn't really smokey at all, but it was a very good Zinfandel, although not as good as InZinerator from last week. Rich, creamy, concentrated, very fruity, very drinkable, but a bit pricey for everyday drinking.

2005 Souverain Merlot

Taste: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Price: $15-$18

I agree with the winemaker when he describes this wine as, "The core of vibrant fruit balances nicely with the fine-grained tannins, creating a plush and juicy mouthfeel. Baking spice notes from aging in oak barrels meld nicely with the generous black fruit and lead to a long, smooth finish." A very good merlot, but one could probably find a similarly good merlot for a little less.

2004 Inzinerator

Taste: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Price: $18

I discovered this wine at the Smyrna Wine Stroll with my sister-in-law and it was even better than I remembered. From the Scott Harvey website, this is: "A wine made for the “Super Hero”: Forward and luscious, this lively wine almost jumps out of the glass. Briary, blackberry extractive Zinfandel", a blend of 76% Zinfandel and 24% barbera. Tasting Notes: All spice, raspberry, figs, big & user friendly, firm tannins, complete, cherry, lingering finish, mocha. The only other thing I'd add is: fabulous! I'm guessing it's the figs that makes me think of a nice Port, just not so thick and syrupy. And the nice, high alcohol content (14.5%) gives it some sexy legs to boot.