GNARLY VINE WONDERFUL

[Jerry D Mead]

CELLAR SELECTION
WINE OF THE WEEK
Louis Martini 1996 "Sonoma Gnarly Vines" Zinfandel ($35) Only 600 cases of this wonderful red wine from 115 year old, dry-farmed, head-pruned vines. Huge, intensely flavored with ripe berry and plum and spicy, hint of black pepper, complexity. Very elegantly structured with a long finish that's as delicious as the wine itself. Note: This is not one of those overripe monsters. There are no prunes, no raisins nor any high alcohol problems. It's the best Zin I've tasted this year. Rating: 100/86