Volume 33, Issue 7: May 2009
Zinfandel SUBSCRIBERS ONLY It has been argued that Zinfandel has gone too far into the realm of extra ripeness and high alcohol. But that is the way to get the most intensity out of the grape. The best examples of that style retain their fruit despite being super-concentrated. Fans of a more refined approach will be pleased with the new releases as well. There seems to be a tasty Zinfandel for virtually every taste and stylistic preference. CABERNET FRANC SUBSCRIBERS ONLY CHARDONNAY SUBSCRIBERS ONLY The trend to more balanced Chardonnays, wines that mix both richness and bright acidity, continues apace. Perhaps that is why collectors have started to flock back to the grape. THE AGING OF ZINFANDEL SUBSCRIBERS ONLY If you thought that high ripeness Zinfandel would not age the way early Zins had, look at our tastings of middle-aged wines. We see no loss of aging potential among fruit-centered wines of high ripeness. Best Buys SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Stay ahead of the crowd with recommendations for wines of exceptional value in this month's version of Best Buys.				SUBSCRIBERS ONLY CONNOISSEURS' FORUMS with edtiors Charles Olken and Stephen Eliot. · wine price vs rating 2005 Storybook Mountain Vineyards Zinfandel Eastern Exposure Napa Estate Napa Valley The Zinfandels of Storybook Mountain are invariably wines of both structure and depth, and this latest is very much a study in point. It begins with well-filled smells of blackberries, cocoa and rich oak and follows with nicely layered flavors that are at once both intense and balanced. A rise in latter-palate tannin and acidity signals the need for a few years of age, but this one comes without any questions about its ability to mature into distinction. $45.00 Score: 94