88 2003 Chateau Montelena Zinfandel 5/2/08 ($29)
14.7% alc
Color: Medium deep garnet. (3.0) Bouquet: Tomatoe sauce, dried Zinberry and cooking spices. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight with a rich, silky mouthfeel. VG fruit and excellent acidity. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor, but falls off quickly with a little heat. (2.0)
Overall: Has an elegant, perfumy character on the nose and shows medium ripe fruit, structure and spice typical of northern Napa. I'd like to see more of the forestal complexity and spice that I've experienced in this wine in past vintages, but still solid, fruity, structured and enjoyable. (14.0)