2009 Mazzocco ZINFANDEL "Seaton" (Dry Creek Valley, Cal.)

Superb example of a full-throttle style of Zin (a style that Mazzocco is known for).  Rich, ripe, extracted, but with not noticeable oak and no heat.  My brother got this direct from the winery and gave it to me, so I have no idea what it costs.

Fully-saturated black ruby with violet highlights.  Deep rich exuberant nose of rich, ripe blackberries, maple syrup, and dark stones.  Incredibly rich fruit slams the palate, initially making a fleeting port-like impression and then resolving into ridiculously pure, ripe fruit.  Very concentrated, with a dense texture, but with very little noticeable heat despite its 16.2% alcohol.  Slightly low but still OK acids, this wine successfully walks a tightrope between extraordinary ripeness and over-blownness.  All it lacks is a bit more complexity.  A-.