Cline Cellars Zinfandel Eight Spur Dry Creek Valley

Ripe, bold, and unmistakably Dry Creek, this opens with brambly blackberry, raspberry compote, and black cherry, layered with cracked pepper, sweet spice, and a hint of cocoa. The palate is full-bodied and generous, with sun-warmed fruit leading the charge and rounded tannins giving the wine a plush, easygoing feel. There’s enough acidity to keep it moving, but the emphasis stays firmly on richness and ripeness rather than restraint. Above average in quality and value if at $30.

a bit flat but nice

With some robust power.

Dark red and almost translucent. Quite a spicy smell. Black pepper is heavy on the nose. Undertone of cumin and a bite of black cherry and salt. Some grapefruit too. I smell a hint of wood and mocha/cocoa powder on it too. Very interesting smell on this one. Semi-sweet, black pepper is heavy on the palate. Black cranberry notes as well. Spicy finish, medium-bodied, light tannins. Not my absolute favorite Zin but it’s pretty good.