5 | Wine | Zinfandel, $20 to $50

"An excellent wine from a challenging vintage, with aromas of black cherry and spice opening to rich wild berry, mineral and toasty sage flavors that wrap around a concentrated core of acidity and tannins."

"The dense aromatics of berries and spice are coupled with the suggestion of a botanical garden, including mint, licorice, lavender and rosemary. This Old Ghost is not for the feint hearted and will command your attention. He may be the most benevolent to date…"

"The 2010 includes a small amount of Petite Sirah to broaden the mouthfeel on the wine and add a little more dark fruit to the palate. There are aromas of raspberry, plum, black cherry, and citrus. In the glass there are flavors of plum, cranberry, black cherry, and classic spicy black pepper. The 2010 is a restrained vintage and will reward those with the patience to cellar a few bottles."

"Lush and dark fruits of blackberry, berry pie, black cherry, white pepper, peppermint, molasses, Oreo cookie, turmeric, vanilla, clove and nutmeg. A mouthwetting snap of acidity balances the round and ripe fruit, and the thin-skinned Zinfandel tannins propel the wine into an elegant and impressive big Pinot Noir style."

"Opaque, dark purple with a hint of cured tobacco on the nose. Exploding on the palates bursting with jammy black raspberry, warm spice and of course big on character."

"The aromatics of this classic field blend present a delightful challenge to the nose. Not exactly fresh fruit and not really jam, either. Rather, it’s like a bunch of summer fruit—strawberry, raspberry, fig, and huckleberry—all conserved together in one aromatic package. It’s sophisticated in the depth of its aroma profile and fun at the same time. The flavors are a big surprise as well—no jammy sweetness. Instead the wine is taut, refined and reminiscent of a very fine Tuscan Chianti and absolutely the right counterpoint to the aromas. This wine promises great things for sophisticated culinary efforts a few years down the line, but in the meantime you’ll love it with this summer’s barbeques!"