2009 Robert Biale Zinfandel Rocky Ridge

(15.8% alcohol; Rockpile is a fairly new AVA in northern Sonoma County known especially for muscular zins and syrahs): Bright dark red. Wild aromas of musky dark cherry, blueberry liqueur, licorice and menthol. Lush, peppery and broad, but with its dark fruit flavors currently showing a distinct medicinal reserve. More brawny and less obviously fruity than most of this producer's other 2009 zinfandels but this still-tight wine needs a couple years in the bottle.