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Vail Valley red, white and booze: A heavy zin experience

Special to the Daily
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It’s hard not to be put off by the ridiculous name of this wine from Michael-David Winery, but pull the cork and you’ll find the bluster of the label is backed up by the goods within. Plus, there’s actually more to the name than just a silly play on words: This 2007 Zinfandel is comprised of grapes from seven different “old vine” Zinfandels from California’s Lodi wine region (east of the Bay Area). There’s a touch of Petit Syrah and Petit Verdot in the blend, but it’s by definition a heavy Zin experience, and a good one at that for a reasonable price.

Funny thing about Zinfandels: Many people know it only in its “white” form ” that sweet, pink wine famously served in boxes or made into wine coolers. Real red Zinfandel, though, is often a pleasure, and the 7 Deadly bottle serves up a nice sample of what this wine can be. Spicy, with an undertone of plums, pepper and cinnamon, the wine has a nice tannin balance that let’s you know it’s there without walloping you over the head with it. Complex with a smooth finish, this is a real nice sipping wine. Have it with friends; you can make fun of the label and then ooh and aah over the delights within.

This wine is available at Avon Liquors, Riverwalk Wine and Spirits, Village Warehouse Wines, Eagle Ranch Wine and Spirits and West Vail Liquor Mart.



“Alex Miller, Daily Correspondent

If your experience with chardonnay starts and ends with California, you owe it to yourself to try the French version, and this basic Burgundy from Olivier Leflaive is a nice starting point. This wine from Burgundy, France, features aromas of lemon curd and toast, though less in-your-face than in a California chard. Here, the charm is on the palate, with cream and roasted-fruit flavors, a hint of smoky toast and a long finish.

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For more information, visit http://www.olivier-leflaive.com.

” Dave McIntyre, L.A. Times-Washington Post

This complex, full-bodied merlot was just one of a solid lineup of red releases from St. Francis in Sonomy County, Calif. This is a meaty, unrestrained merlot with lots of black-cherry, chocolate and herb flavors. It’s good drinking now but should develop well for up to five years. Its solid grip is matched by its impressive length for a wine at this price. Serve it with pork or veal. Also check out its stable mate, the 2005 Wild Oak Merlot, a touch more complex at $25.

Available at Avon Liquors, Riverwalk Wine and Spirits and Village Warehouse Wines.

Michael Dresser, L.A. Times-Washington Post


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