Happy 25th birthday to AVV's Sin Zin

Wines & Vines, March, 2004

"Sin Zin," the distinctive Alexander Valley Vineyards' (AVV) Zinfandel was first made by the Wetzel family in 1978 as a house wine for their own use. It quickly became a favorite among the Wetzels and their friends. In 1980, they made 1,000 cases and decided to release the wine on the market.

As Hank Wetzel recalls, Dennis Hill, who was AVV's assistant winemaker at the time, brought an art history book to the winery. "Leafing through the book, my sister, Katie Wetzel Murphy, came upon a captivating illustration, a 17th century German etching, which I believe is called Des Knabben Wunderhorn, meaning 'The Horn of Plenty.' The image looked perfect for a wine label, and its bacchanalian character inspired her to name our rich and robust wine Sin Zin."

The 2002 Sin Zin is a blend of 85% Zinfandel from various Alexander Valley vineyards, 11% Sangiovese and 4% Syrah. Total production for 2002 was 14,400 cases.

It's a zesty wine with bright black cherry fruit with a dash of black pepper and good acidity. Yummy all the way.

L.W.