Different Tongues - Power of Suggestion

[Jerry D Mead]

Just for you guys..here's an advance tip on my first 100 point wine of the year...haven't published it anywhere yet. So rush and out and try it, and then come back and tell me it should only have received a 98.

Louis Martini 1996 "Sonoma" Gnarly Vines Zinfandel ($35) From 115 year old vines...dry farmed...head pruned. Huge, ripe berry and plum fruit...spicy with some latent black pepper. Not overripe. No prunes! No raisins! Elegant structure...very long extremely delicious finish that makes you want to consume larger quantities than you should. I had it with a simple grilled double cut lamb chop rubbed with garlic, thyme and a little black pepper. Fantastic. Rating: 100/85

First number rates quality; second number rates value. I don't buy a lot of $35 a bottle wine, but I would pop for this puppy.