A dense purple color as well as notions of bacon fat/lard, flowers, licorice, and blackberries characterize the 2006 Syrah Zio Tony Ranch. Full-bodied, powerful, and backward, it needs several years of bottle age, and should keep for 8-10 years. Martinelli’s Zinfandel portfolio continues to grow, with as many as five different offerings now available. The 2006 and 2007 Jackass Hill Vineyard cuvees were not tasted at this visit. However, the other four wines I tasted, all from steep hillside vineyard sites with the newer plantings planted from bud wood of both the Jackass Hill and Jackass vineyards, were brilliant. They are among the fullest-bodied, headiest, most distinctive Zinfandels made in California.Tel. (707) 525-0570; Fax (707) 525-9463

This wine was recommended, but no tasting note was given.