2002 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel

[wondersofwine]

(The 2003 is $18 at the winery. I paid $18.95 for the 2002 at Dean & Deluca in Charlotte). I was impressed with this wine when I sampled a glass at Dean and Deluca and bought two bottles to take home with me for a church fundraiser. I later saw that this (the Sonoma Zinfandel) got a 92 rating from "Wine Spectator" and the Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel got a rating of 93. The Old Vines sells for $30 at the winery and the Home Ranch is sold out. I won't quibble with the high ratings. This is at least a very good zinfandel and possibly outstanding.
The alcohol is high at 15.2% but it is rich and ripe in aroma and taste. Dark purple-red color with clarity. Flavor reminds me of a dish of mixed berries such as blackberries, blueberries and raspberries. WS review mentions sage but I can't really identify that in the wine--maybe dried parsley (or am I stretching?) Quite big and yummy but with the wine's high alcohol and strong flavor, this might be a quaffer, not a dinner wine (okay, with barbequed beef or pork maybe a dinner wine). I will buy again when I have the chance. Held up well the second night but had deteriorated some by the third night.