2003 A-Mano Primitivo

Wine Enthusiast- 88pts. I picked up this super value at East Beach Wine for $9.99.
A Mano means by hand and this wine is hand-crafted from indigenous Primitivo grapes (the original source for Zinfandel by the way...)
Concentrated aromas and flavors of deep ripe blackberries, black cherries and spice.
Firm full-flavored fruity finish (25 alliteration points for that one).
Dry, fruity, refreshing and affordable. Great value.

2003 Kaapzicht Stellenbosch Shiraz

I opened this at a recent gathering, the first South African wine any of us had tried.
We were all wonderfully pleased with this wine. Intense dark ruby color, it opened beautifully to surprise me with its complexity. Layers of black berry fruit, leather and spice; and a savory earthiness. Great balance and structure.
This wine was a gift and its hard to find online- I'd guess it retails for around $15 making this an nice value. I look forward to drinking this wine again and exploring more South African wines.

2003 Monte Antico Toscano Rosso

88 pts Wine Spectator for $10.99, I rate this an excellent value. This 100% Sangiovese has dark ruby color, with loads of ripe fruit and hints of herb & leather. Medium bodied, round and supple with velvety tannins and a long finish. Delicious.

2003 D'Aquino Chianti Riserva

This Italian D.O.C.G. wine is a great value, I picked it up from Trader Joes for around $8.
As seems typical to me of Chianti's, this wine was bit closed at first. Given a little time ripe cherry aromas with floral hints emerge with some depth.
It has a brilliant red color, soft & dry mouth feel and trace of cranberry in the finish.
Alcohol content is low- 12.5%
Varietals used- 75% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiole nero, 6% Trebbiano , 15% other

2003 Renwood Old Vine Zinfandel

Rated 90pts by Wine Enthusiast and only $12.50 at Costco!
Wow, big spicy Zin with concentrated aromas and flavors. We liked this wine.

Barb and I said:
Aromas: Dark cherries, roasted coffee, black licorice and a hint of leather.
Flavors: Dark concentrated fruits, licorice, vanilla & spice
Round and nice balance, silky vanilla finish.

Wine Enthusiast said (better than us and we agree):
Has the structure and balance of a fine Cabernet, with a nice balance of tannins, acidity and fruit, and an elegantly tailored mouthfeel. Of course, the flavors are pure Zin, ranging from brambly, wild berries and coffee to white pepper and bitter chocolate.

2004 Rosenblum San Francisco Bay Zinfandel

Retail $16- This Zin was surprising in that it reminded us more of a Syrah for its complexity and layers of bold dark plum/cherries, spice and leather. Not a typical jammy fruit laden Zinfandel.
We've never tasted Rosenblum before and are not sure if this is their overall Zinfandel style or particular to this wine.
The aromas were earthy dark fruit, dark chocolate and spice with hints of leather.
Robust and yet round and smooth in the mouth. The medium finish again brought up the dark chocolate spice.
Not what we expected but we did enjoy this wine. I thought it went wonderfully with our aromatic and savory dinner; Barb's homemade Samosa's (potato and peas in a light dough delicately seasoned with curry), tandoori chicken and a cous-cous salad. The boldness of the wine really matched nicely with this meal.

Rosenblum is one of the top names in Zinfandel. They currently placed two of their Zin's in the top 50 of Wine Spectators Top 100 Wines; the 2003 Rockpile ($29) rated #3 overall and the Richard Sauret Paso Robles ($19) #29.