Ever on the look out for top wine value, this Rampant Oenophile enjoys checking alternate releases of top rated wines and vineyards. I like to find wineries that apply the same standards that achieve a 90 point wine to the entire balance of their catalog. Four Vines is such a vineyard. Their Biker Zinfandel recently earned 91 points from Wine Spectator, so I took a chance on several other bottles in their catalog, and found several treasures.In addition to Biker, Four Vines offers 5 other excellent Zinfandels for the full range from Supermarket to Top Shelf. First among the value brands, “Old Vine Cuvee” offers a lot more Zin than the $12 price tag suggests. It’s silk smooth and suitable for sipping. Unlike Biker, who’s a bit brash, Old Vine Cuvee is mellow. Same great black fruit like blackberries and plums, but softened on the tongue with a velvet texture and light spice. I found both the 2006 and 2007 at my local wine shop, so bought both. When you find a good Zin at such a price, my rule is to buy a bunch and enjoy.
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