88 2005 Armida PoiZin Zinfandel 1/5/08 ($25)
Color: Dark garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Rich, tart cherry and wild raspberry. Ripe with excellent acidity. (3.0) Body: Light heavyweight. Very ripe with very good fruit and acidity, but also some heat. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but sharp alcohol/bitterness appears. (2.5) Finish: Parallels flavor with more heat and bitterness, also a redeeming sweet black licorice nuance.(2.5)
Overall: This is very tasty now and could improve in the next few years if the heat can calm down and let that Zinberry fruit come out and smooth out more. It's in the ripe, high alcohol style that is popular in Zin right now. This is one of the better "sinister-labeled" Zins out there, but if this is up your alley try the Four Vines Biker. It's of similar style and quality at a slightly better price. (16.0)