Hullabaloo “Old Vine” 2009 (Lodi)
The winemakers at Nine North have been able to source some wonderful old vine Zinfandel from several Napa Valley vineyards. Don’t ask the secret sources, just know the same grapes go into wines retailing for three to four times the price. And the label? They chose the classic 19th century strongman icon as reflective of the period between 1850 and 1900 (around the time Zinfandel was planted and began to flourish in California). The strongman was not only an exhibitor of feats of strength but his main purpose was also to showcase his great size, boldness and symmetry- kind of describes old vine Zinfandel doesn’t it? The 2009 Hullabaloo displays classic Zinfandel characteristics of fresh cracked pepper, raspberries, black cherries and briery fruit. Full-bodied with plush textures and good acidity as well as a nice mouthfeel, this classic well structured Zinfandel will drink well for the next 5-7 years.

Baby Lettuce & Arugula Salad with grilled local apple, pomegranate, toasted black walnuts and Maytag Blue Cheese.

Buehler 2010 (Napa)
The grapes choosen for the 2010 Buehler Vineyards Napa Valley Zinfandel are a mix of those off estate vineyards and grapes from other select Napa Valley high quality, low-yielding vineyards. This 2010 vintage has aromas of a briar patch on a hot summer day carry over to the palate and are carried in a mouth-filling, flavorful, juicy package. The wine was crafted for immediate enjoyment but for those who enjoy a more complex wine displaying some bottle-aged character, aging for another two to three years is a good option. Past vintages consistently rate in the low 90’s.

Berkshire Pork Slider with house barbeque sauce, sweet potato frites with cayenne aioli.
(alternate menu-sub bbq portabello slices)

Sextant “Wheelhouse” 2009 (Paso Robles)
Boysenberries, black pepper, and the scent of sandalwood take center stage. There’s intense but harmonious interaction, the nose and palate working together flawlessly. This wine is focused and zesty, as black plums and anise take their cue. The tannins deliver a firm, but very nuanced performance holding the ensemble together. Vibrant acidity contributes to a lively and flowing mouthfeel toward the Grande Finale, a persistent and satisfying finish. A resounding ovation can only be the result for the final act of a wine so well made.
88 points—Wine Enthusiast

Coq au Zin, rosemary-scented polenta.
(alternate menu-substitute vegan chicken)

Seghesio 2009 (Sonoma)
Wild berry patch aromas and scents of freshly baked bread. Desired varietal markers of raspberries, blackberries and Zin's briary spiciness reflect the excellent 2009 vintage. Zin's ever-present acidity enhances the finish and fine, dusty tannins add complexity, mouthfeel and structure. Layered nuances of flavor with cracked pepper, tilled soil and a hint of creamy oak. Characteristic synergy of components – balanced and elegantly structured.
90 Points—Wine Spectator: “Bold aromas of briary wild berry and cracked pepper lead to plush and layered black raspberry, toasty sage and espresso flavors that finish with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2016.”
90 Points—The Wine Advocate: “The lusty 2009 Zinfandel offers elegant berry fruit, lots of peppery spice, medium to full-bodied flavors and impressive purity as well as richness. It should drink well for 2-3 years. Bravo!”

Herb-Crusted Lambchop with black currant beurre rouge, shredded, sautéed Brussels sprouts.
(alternate menu-substitute housemade vegetarian sausage)

Ravenswood “Old Hill” 2007 (Sonoma)
76% Zinfandel, 24% Mixed Blacks. A well-balanced, graceful, complex wine that will age very nicely. The wine keeps unfolding each time you put your nose in the glass. You’ll notice an array of scents and flavors in this wine; most notably mulberry and blackberry, followed by a strikingly pure, focused finish. It has Rhone-like intensity with striking precise aromas of blackberry, black pepper, vanilla, coffee, smoke, and mint. It is lovely to be consumed now or put down for years to come.—extremely limited production: only 990 cases.
95 Points—Wine Enthusiast: “You can quibble with the price, but there’s no doubt about the quality of this Zin. It’s extraordinarily deeply flavored, offering waves of wild cherries, cola, anise, molé sauce, pepper spice and sandalwood, wrapped into profoundly fine tannins, and with a long, dry finish. Drink this near-perfect Zinfandel over the next six years.”

OCP Goat Cheese & Tellicherry Ravioli with braised Angus beef ragout.
(alternate menu-ravioli with roasted red peppers & chevre cream sauce)

Valley of the Moon Sonoma County Port 2005
Aromas of currants, cherry and dark chocolate follow through to the palate with accents of cinnamon and nutmeg. Soft tannins on the finish provide structure to these rich flavors.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries, chile sabayon.