**** Chez Ray Pinot / Zin (Zinfandel), Valley Oaks Vineyard, Lodi, CA, 2003

This is a combination of pinot noir and zinfandel from 2003 vintage Lodi grapes, fermented with Pasteur Red yeast and pressed at dryness.

Original Review, August, 2010:  In the glass, this is light to medium red.  Served at room temperature, aromas are a bright and blooming red raspberry fruit.

The palate is sweet, rich and layered, showing ripe, ripe red currant, elements of sweet pepper and ash, and a lively - but not overpowering - acidity.  Wonderful highs and lows, easy sweetness and still some drama. Four stars. Terrific for Lodi grapes.
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Updated Review, December, 2010:  Still sweet, warm, bright and lingering.  Very nice.