Cline, “Ancient Vines” Zinfandel, California 2003 ($11) – Garnet color, boysenberry nose with some oak, “thick” plum, blackberry and oak flavors with moderate tannins and a long finish. An excellent value, tasting as good as wines at twice it’s price. Score: 8.5/10

Seghesio, Zinfandel, Sonoma County 2003 ($17) – Dark garnet, intense plum and current aromas with oak, jammy blackberry flavors — almost over the top ripeness at 14.9% alcohol — but somehow pulls off a nice, long finish of plum and oak. Medium tannins complete the package nicely. Delicious now but good for 4-5 more years in the cellar. A wine that tastes as good as some Ridge bottlings at 2-3 times it’s price. Score: 9/10.

Ravenswood, Zinfandel, Sonoma County 2002 ($20) – Garnet, blackberry nose, rustic fruit flavors with firm tannins, opens up a bit after some time in the glass, but this needs another year or two in the cellar or at the very least, to be decanted. Score: 8/10