BIG Zinfandel

[Bucko]

1997 Louis Martini, Zinfandel, Gnarly Vine, Monte Rosso, Sonoma Valley, $40, 1,034 cases. This is a big wine - big fruit, big oak, big alcohol, big price - yet it all seems to come together to deliver an impressive wine. Raspberry jam and vanilla are in the forefront, with pepper and chocolate notes. It does not seem hot, even at 15% alcohol. As good as the Turley and Martinelli wines in the same price class.

Bucko