Why do we call this wine the reverend? Wait until you taste it. Just like an old fire and brimstone sermon, it starts easy and lures you in with scents of Christmas spices. And then it kicks up the volume with an explosion of juicy red and black berries, plums and chocolate. To finish you are called up to the altar to be healed by a smack to the forehead of spicy, smooth tannins. You'll be back next Sunday for some more.

Vintage

2006

Varietal

98% Zinfandel, 1% Carignane, 1% Petite Sirah

Appellation

98% Dry Creek Valley, 1% Alexander Valley, 1% Mendocino County

Alcohol

15.1%

pH

3.74

Release Date

July 25, 2008

Suggested Retail

$25

Production

2688 cases

Wood

18 months in 10% new Hungarian, 20% new French, 10% new American, 60% neutral oak