With no relation to the great rock & roll band of the same name, this powerhouse has made me realize that I am still one Zin groupie. Plump blackberry, cherry and plum fruit mix harmoniously with black pepper, Asian spice, and a double dose of creamy chocolate. The nostalgic label brings back memories of the classic 60's Fillmore rock posters, yet it's what's inside the bottle that is music to your tastebuds. Crank up the amps, uncork this instant classic, share it with your Woman from Tokyo because this is one Highway Star to rock your wine world.

 

Bam-a-lama boom bombastic! That's the only way to describe this fruit bomb of a Pinot Noir. Upon first smell and taste, you could have knocked me over with a feather if you told me this was a Pinot. Huge blackberry, cherry and strawberry ripeness along side the meaty and gamey midpalate express one rich, intense, luscious and concentrated power bomb. Though it's varietal character may be a bit left of center, it's certainly one tasty treat, even more so with a price tag of under $20.

 

If ever there was a wine to put in your cellar for a future special occasion, look no further than this stellar example from the Rhone region of France. Vertically tasted next to the good 2006 and the highly touted 2007 vintage, the 2005 stood out head and tails above the rest. Starting with intoxicating blackberry, fig and cherry fruit, lively red licorice, tobacco, coffee, and white pepper, it holds an intense grip not only on the palate but sends shivers of luxury down the spine. With only a few cases left available, this is one treat that will spark the memory of a lifetime.