2000 Rancho Zabaco Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

[wondersofwine]

Newsguy liked the 1998 vintage, not the 1999. Drew liked the 1997 he tried. WW was disappointed in the 1999 version. Bucko gave a decent rating to the 2000 Reserve version. Now I FINALLY found it to try--at least by the glass.
Had a glass for $9.00 (have to consider the venue) at the Lounge of the Watergate Hotel this weekend. Dark red/purple color only slightly translucent. Nose of dark raspberries and blackberries. Not overwooded. Taste follows nose: dark berries. Medium body, nice aftertaste. Tannins resolved; smooth drinking. (Not reminded of throat lozenge so maybe this surpasses the 1999.)
I haven't had this side-by-side with the Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel but think it would be at least equal if not surpassing it. Nice with a cheese plate, mixed berries, and toasted pecans. It was better with a slightly creamy cheese and the cheddar than with the bleu cheese or runny type cheese. Better with the blackberries than with the red raspberries or strawberries (definitely a dark berry thing going on there). The cheeses were also served with a crunhcy toasted bread rather than with crackers.
I would buy this from a retailer if I could find it.