1999 Napa Valley Zinfandel Ballentine Vineyards St. Helena, Napa County, CA Price: $25 14.9% alcohol 750 ml

2006 tasting ($25) - Excellent bouquet hints of chocolate. Tastes like a good California wine with a nice dry finish.

2009 tasting ($17) - Having another go at the first Zinfandel I ever tried . . . This semi-opaque red has a fruity, oaky bouquet. The flavor is a wave of complexity. It is dry yet sweet, fruity yet tart and finishes with hints of pepper. Seems a bit unhinged though.

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