My second week had a phenomenal start.On Tuesday morning, I was sitting in my office, listening to my favorite NY radio station on the Internet, drinking my coffee, reading the morning work news, and loving my job.Sure, things were crazy (the rapidly approaching holidays, a special condo board meeting that night, my project deadline looming at the end of the week, deliverables for my school group project due Thursday night, and the final term paper for my class due Monday), but I felt good.I only belong to one wine club—Storybook Mountain Vineyards—and I was able to pick-up the latest shipment before heading home.When I walked into the condo, still glowing from the fact that my commute is 10-15 minutes shorter every day, I couldn’t help but gush about everything to Hubby before collapsing on the couch with a glass of wine. Could life be any better?

The 2006 Storybook Mountain Vineyards Estate Reserve Zinfandel (vineyard) was a deep ruby with a garnet rim.The wine smelled like a warm, baking spice cabinet, mixed with big, juicy blackberries and blueberries.There was also a hint of mulch and earth.In the mouth, there were nice spices and berries, but they were mixed with prunes.The wine had high acidity and medium tannins.

Is this worth a glass after work? Eh…if you have a bottle on hand, drink it, but I wouldn’t go searching it out either. At $35, I was expecting lusciousness like I found in the 2007 Storybook Mountain Vineyards Mayacamas Range.Instead, the 2006 Estate Reserved tasted more like prune juice and less like jammy goodness.I hate to say this, but this wine was a bit of a disappointment.If you’re looking for a great Zin from Storybook Mountain, a I do mean a GREAT Zin, skip over this one and grab their 2007 Mayacamas Range; it will be everything you want from a California Zinfandel…and more.

Price: $35
Purchased at Storybook Mountain Vineyards website
Overall: 2.5 Corks