Rod Wallstrum, known as “Wally” to his many friends, was the Agriculture teacher at Healdsburg High School, and as such, is a fixture in the local AG community. His small Zin vineyard in Alexander Valley has yielded some luscious fruit, full of spicy raspberry flavors and vibrant acidity.

Spicy-peppery black raspberry fruit, right off the top, with gorgeous roasty-vanilla oak caramel, and a bit of dusty black cherry. Mouth offers chocolatey oak, creamy vanilla and tart cherry, with a dense middle and pleasing fruit and spice through its long finish. Does it get a Gold Star for being the teacher’s pet??