Simple, rather sweet and candied, with raspberry and cocoa butter flavors and a soft, fruity finish. Nice with mushroom pizza. ——S.H.(6/1/2005)—— 83

My favorite of the Collage Series is the 2000 Zinfandel/Shiraz (75% of the former and 25% of the latter). This 60,000-case cuvee exhibits a dark ruby color, abundant quantities of briery, peppery, berry fruit, pure flavors, plenty of body, supple tannin, and a spicy, fleshy finish. It is a delicious, fun wine to enjoy over the next 1-2 years.Note: Discount retailers will sell these wines for 20%-30% below the "suggested retail" shown.Tel. (707) 544-4000

Surprisingly rich and nuanced for such an inexpensive wine, it has balanced aromas and flavors of blackberries, pepper and earth. Has the finesse and complexity of red wines costing a lot more. —S.H.——S.H.(9/1/2002)—— 87

A fruity, straightforward, but attractive wine is the 1998 Zinfandel/Shiraz Collage. There are 24,000 cases of this 76% Zinfandel and 24% Shiraz blend. Spicy, peppery, and light to medium-bodied, with copious fruit, it is not complicated, but hey, who's complaining at this price level? This is good wine for uncritical quaffing over the next 1-2 years. Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (707) 579-3419