Tasted through eight BIG Zins

[Bucko]

2006 Mazzocco, Zinfandel, Maple, Dry Creek Valley, California, $40. Plums, dark chocolate and violets intermingle on the nose and palate, with a dash of warm spices for interest. Elegant on the entry, with tannins that firm up on the finish; 89/89.

2006 Mazzocco, Zinfandel, Pony, Dry Creek Valley, California, $32. The nose is packed with black cherry, berry, and French oak aromas. Medium to full on the palate, the jammy fruit flavors linger endlessly on the finish. Tannins are very manageable; 89/89.

2006 Mazzocco, Zinfandel, Warm Springs Ranch, Dry Creek Valley, California, $32. The nose is interesting – a mix of black cherries, currants and a hint of juniper. Full and jammy on the palate, with a streak of black pepper, you’ll also find generous but rounded tannins; 88/88.

2007 Rancho Arroyo Grande, Zinfandel, Dry Farmed, San Luis Obispo County, California, $45, 699 cases. Intense crushed raspberry and brambly aromas highlight the nose. Full, intense and jammy on the palate – this is your ‘big boy’ style of Zinfandel; 91/91.

2006 Rosenblum, Zinfandel, Annette’s Reserve, Mendocino County, California, $35, 2,025 cases. Aromas of black cherries, bramble berries and vanilla cream highlight the nose. While very polished, elegant and fruity, the generous tannins will benefit from bottle age; 90/90.

2006 Rosenblum, Zinfandel, Carla’s Reserve, Contra Costa County, California, $30, 1,488 cases. You’ll find a generous nose of black cherries, berries, vanilla and warm spices. Elegant, with silky tannins, the bright acids support the cherry/berry fruit; 88/88.

2006 Rosenblum, Zinfandel, Eagle Point Vineyard, Mendocino County, California, $25, 1,525 cases. Highlighted by blackberries, milk chocolate, vanilla and dill spice, this medium-bodied wine has drying tannins; 85/85.

2006 Rosenblum, Zinfandel, Rockpile Road Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, California, $35, 2,812 cases. A mixed bowl of crushed berries greets the nose, with added vanilla and cedar accents. The wine is full in the mouth, with sweet jammy fruit and moderate tannins; 89/89.