1999 Rancho Zabaco Dry Creek Valley

[newsguy]

NOTE: this was actually the 1998 vintage

($14.99) this is the first rancho zabaco zin i've had other than their old sonoma heritage vines bottlings, which i've loved.

my wife and i were VERY impressed with this wine. deep ruby/purplish color. strong nose and deep flavors of very ripe dark red fruits (mostly raspberry i'd say), mocha (very strong), zinberry spice, alcohol (14.5 percent) and oak. soft tannins and a solid finish. i think this wine might actually improve for a year or two, but is drinking wonderfully now. another great rancho zabaco zin (to me, head and shoulders above 99 old sonoma heritage vines). i'm going to try and pick up a case of this.

as with all RZ zins, decant for at least an hour before drinking. it's definitely worth the wait.

(FYI: this paired perfectly with marinated steak and shrimp kabobs - my tropical thanksgiving main course.)

[This message has been edited by newsguy (edited 12-03-2002).]