Wine of the Week: Preston Zinfandel

<p>Panelists: Daryl Groom of Groom Wines; Josh Silvers, chef/owner of Syrah Bistro; Ziggy Eschliman, the radio’s “Wine Gal"; Roland Hankerson, general manager of the Wine Spectrum Shop & Bar; and Press Democrat wine columnist Peg Melnik.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><h3>WINE OF THE WEEK</h3> <p>Preston of Dry Creek, 2006 Old Vines ($31) ****</p><p>A seductive zin with complex aromas, flavors. Notes of cherry, raspberry, rose petal, licorice, toffee, oak, vanilla and spice. Great rich, round texture. Jammy.</p><p></p><p></p><h3>RUNNERS-UP</h3> <p>Bluenose, 2005 Dry Creek Valley ($25) ***</p><p>A smoky zin with dark berry fruit flavors. Earthy, with notes of toffee and spice.</p><p>Cline Cellars, 2006 Ancient Vines, California ($16) **½</p><p>An interesting zin with notes of plum jam, toast and cracked pepper. Slightly herbaceous.</p><p>Dutton Goldfield, 2006 Morelli Lane Vineyard, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley ($40) ***½</p><p>A jammy zin with dark red and blackberry fruits. Notes of dried cherry, toasty oak and spice. Vibrant.</p><p>Fife, 2004 Redhead Vineyard, Redwood Valley, Mendocino ($24) ***½</p><p>A jammy zin with notes of blackberry and black pepper. Complex and elegant.</p><p>Kunde, 2005 Sonoma Valley ($18) **½</p><p>An angular zin with notes of blackberry, herbs and spice. Slightly tannic. Has limited appeal.</p><p>Limerick Lane, 2005 Collins Vnyd., Russian River Valley ($30) **½</p><p>A nice quaffer. A tasty commerical wine that’s a little sweet. An approachable zin that has a soft texture.</p><p>MacLeod, 2006 Indian Springs Ranch, Sonoma Valley ($28) **</p><p>The zin was undermined by off aromas and flavors. Two bottles tasted.</p><p>Sausal XXXV, 2006 Alexander Valley ($35) **** ½</p><p>A rock star zin, with notes of berries, rose petal, anise and spice. Sexy and seductive. Jammy.</p><p>Sebastiani, 2005 Sonoma County ($15) ***½</p><p>A zin with a round mouth-feel. Notes of ripe raspberry, blackberry, currant, coffee and spice. Rich.</p><p>Zig Zag Zin, 2005 Mendocino County ($18) ***½</p><p>A rich, ripe zin with aromas and flavors of berries, plum, herbs, licorice and white pepper. Medium complexity.</p>