The Chateau Montelena Zinfandel: The 2005 Zinfandel is a success in this very challenging year for this varietal (not enough heat, which Zinfandel must have to ripen fully). The wine has good fruit, a leaner style, and a more elegant personality. Perhaps readers who never liked Zinfandel because of its powerful briery blast of fruit may take a liking to these more down-scaled, lighter 2005s." |