Dashe Cellars, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) Zinfandel 2009

 If you like your Zinfandel to be not too lampshade-on-the-head/dance-on-the-table thrilling, then give this one a try.  It’s somewhat subdued (for Zin) but not at all lacking in the characteristic flavors of cherry, chocolate, fennel seed, clove and other spice.  On a most basic level it’s certainly rich and robust enough to please those of us who seek the zeitgeist of Zinfandel, but the hint of subtly and refinement gives it even broader appeal.