Dashe Cellars Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2009

The 2009 Zinfandel is a very pretty, mid-weight wine laced with sweet red berries, flowers, licorice and leather. This is a decidedly feminine, gracious style, but it works very nicely. The 2009 is a very pleasing wine best enjoyed over the next 2–3 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012–2017.

With a little Petite Sirah and Carignane blended in for depth and complexity, this is a nice Zinfandel for everyday drinking. It’s dry and full-bodied, and while the tannins are strong, they're perfect for busting up rich barbecue. Shows all the fruity spiciness you expect from a lusty Zin.

Somewhat oak-driven, the plum, raspberry, blackberry and herb flavors take a backseat. Still, the wine shows well, with fine tannins framing the flavors, which finish with a chocolatey edge. Long and well balanced.

Rustic and ripe, with dried cherry and licorice aromas and hardy plum, blueberry, roasted sage and cracked pepper flavors. Drink now through 2012.

Made in a totally different style, the 2005 Zinfandel Todd Brothers Vineyard is a deep ruby/purple-tinged offering displaying more chocolatey black fruits, tremendous intensity (it's one of the most concentrated Zinfandels of the vintage), and outstanding balance, richness, and length. Full-bodied with stunning purity and texture, it is a genuine revelation in this vintage. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.

Rich and nuanced, the flavors range from blackberries and blueberries through spiced plums and white chocolate. Best of all is the texture: rich, velvety, supple and flattering. It's a big wine, but wears its size well.

Dark, ripe and juicy, with plush blackberry, black cherry, anise, earth and mineral flavors that turn smooth and sophisticated.