Angel Vine Zinfandel Avery Vineyard 08

This is a "Wow". Lush scents of plum and black cherry introduce big, rich cherry, plum, berry, bramble, white pepper, and mixed sweet spice flavors. Compares quite well to $40 Zinfandels, and it's balanced - it has structure as well as over-the-top Zinfandel style. Very reminiscent of a Dry Creek Zinfandel, at half the price.

Subtle nose of berry, plum, and anise. In the mouth, red and black fruits compete for attention; on the mid-palate, pepper, vibrant acidity, and medium tannins combine with the fruit to build a big wine.

Serve this Zinfandel with rubbed pork loin, braised ribs, and spicy pizza. Drink now through 2012. Only 188 cases produced.

A legal dispute with another winery led to a change from the winery's first name, "Three Angels" to "Angel Vine".