For Zin lovers there is a Mecca and a haj. The Mecca is the giant pavilion at Fort Mason in San Francisco and the haj happens the last Saturday in January every year...as usual the Piedmont Post attended ... The following wines were the best we tasted from a huge field of contenders. They are truly outstanding examples of what Zinfandel is all about.

Atelier's 2006 Alexander Valley Zinfandel: $29
Dense ruby/purple color along with a sweet bouquet of black currants, licorice, incense, and blueberries. It is a medium to full-bodied surprisingly powerful 2006 that should drink nicely for 3 to 4 years.