Former Windsor Vineyards winemaker  Carol Shelton made a splash with her new Zinfandels.

A sneak peek at the '99 Zinfandels

Monday, January 29, 2001
By Leslie Sbrocco and Linda Murphy
WineToday.com

Many of the 1999s and 2000s are months away from release. The wines may change significantly after they're either bottled or in bottle for a time, so the comments and ratings should be strictly considered as quality guidelines. Wines were not tasted blind.
(Wines rated on a scale of 1-5 stars)

Carol Shelton Wines
(707) 575-3441
zin@carolshelton.com

Carol Shelton, formerly the winemaker for Windsor Vineyards, has struck out on her own and debuts a new line of three Zinfandels. These are young wines, but show Shelton's experience with the grape and are sure to sell out quickly. The two below will appeal to Zin lovers who like their wines big and bold.

2000 "Rocky Reserve" Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
Price: $28
Release date: October 2001
A powerhouse that will be on the lips of Zinophiles soon, this wine is from the Rockpile Road Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. Almost black in color, it's chock-full of tar and smoky aromas with deep blackberry jam flavors and a strong kick of black pepper on the finish.

2000 "Wild Thing" Zinfandel, Cox Vineyard, Mendocino County
Price: $24
Release date: July 2001
Full-bodied and almost wild, this wine is crafted from organic vines and native yeasts and exhibits a briary, boysenberry character with licorice and really ripe plum flavors. It's intense and needs time in the bottle.