The 1981 Vogensen Vineyard is a more controversial style of Zinfandel. The color is dark ruby with only slight amber at the edge. The huge nose offers up a melange of aromas, ranging from cedar and basil, to brandied prunes and exotic, as well as super-ripe black fruits. In the mouth, it is expansive, rich, and full-bodied, with most of the tannins having melted away, giving the impression of a voluptuous texture. The finish is beginning to show some hot alcohol, so I would opt to drink this wine over the near term.

The color of the 1976 Vogensen Vineyard is a medium garnet with considerable amber at the edge. The nose offers musty, faded fruit, and leafy aromas, with noticeable volatile acidity. On the palate, the alcohol and acid have begun to take control as the fruit is fading. There is still glycerin and some sweetness, but this wine is on the edge - and living dangerously.