Calif., Russian River Valley, Joseph Swan, Zeigler Vineyard, Zinfandel 2002 $22.50 at the winery in 3/08. 15.3% alcohol
First impression: Dark, rich, very much Zinfandel, very good. Second impression: On the overripe side, but not quite pruney or raisiny. High alcohol not noticeable at all. Afterthought: Very even flavors from intake, mid-palate and finish. Ripeness shows mostly in mid-palate. I'm very happy to have another bottle.
I don't think '02 and '03 turned out to be the best years in RRV and DCV. I've had many wines that were overblown from those years. Rod managed to keep this one in bounds, and overall it is a success, though not as food-friendly as I'd really prefer -- much better with bread and cheese. The other bottle should be good for another couple of years or so; the tannins are well integrated, but it's still a very fresh (if very ripe) wine.
John