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

2005

Varietal

85.2% Zinfandel, 12.3% Carignane, 5.5% Petite Sirah

Appellation

85.2% Dry Creek Valley, 12.3% Alexander Valley, 5.5% Mendocino County

Alcohol

14.8%

pH

3.74

Release Date

June 9, 2007

Suggested Retail

$25

Production

2893 cases

Wood

18 months in 30% new Hungarian, 15%new American, 55% neutral oak