2006 Turley Zinfandel (Juvenile)

Well, this was a burly 15%ABV Zin from the woman who, arguably, transformed the California (red) wine industry by introducing lush, modern fruit-bruiser bottlings. Still, this was more rustic than I expected, but had the classic briar-patch fruit and light white pepper one expects in a good Zin. And despite the alcohol, it was never hot, although the "spice" under-tones could easily have been the afterburn of a young, potent Zin. Still, we liked it. 89/100.
Bottom line: Good Zin, not great, if you can find it. A wine for fans of rustic Zinfandel.

2005 Domaine de la Charbonniere, Mourre des Perdrix Chateauneuf-du-Pape

From the legendary 05 vintage, we enjoyed the Charbonniere Chateauneuf with a roasted whole leg of lamb, with an olive paste crust stuck on, and it was a great match. Fantastic raspberry-blackberry aromas carried over to the palate, and there's a wonderful mineral spine to this wine ("wet rocks") that was palpable from start to finish, with a solid 30+ second finish. At a hefty 15% ABV this was no lightweight, and it's a bit frightening to see this kind of alcohol from a southern Rhone wine. But it carried its balance, and its alcohol, deftly. My only regret? Not keeping it for another decade (or two). This has a lot of stuffing and complexity that will show well in even a few more years. For us, 93/100.

Bottom line: A great CdePape for about $40.