My brother Richard’s vineyard in Fiddletown is a labor of love for both of us, and I think the Zinfandel, Grenache, and Barbera he grows there make some of the most delicious wines I’ve ever had. The rocky slopes of this vineyard are sundrenched throughout the growing season, producing fully ripe, fully delicious grapes. Our 2005 Fiddletown Zinfandel is Zin at its best – bursting with black berry sweetness and underlying peppery and cedar notes. Its tannins have power and structure, but they are soft and well balanced with the lush fruit. It’s a wine with layers and layers of flavors, a Zin to drink on its own with great pleasure. As a food wine, it is excellent with all kinds of tomato and barbecue sauces, and red meats from grilled hamburgers to filet mignon.