A couple of months ago, we tried Montevina Zinfandel (specifically, Montevina Sierra Foothills Zinfandel 2003), and dubbed it a nice bargain ($7) with a rating of 8.5. We happened to pick up another bottle on sale for about $5 – an amazing price for a drinkable Zinfandel. Our second tasting mostly confirmed what we found the first time around. This time, we happened to save a half-consumed bottle for the next day with no particular precautions – no argon gas, no decanting into small containers. When we tried the wine the next day, the intensity of the fruit had increased dramatically and my overall impression went up another notch. I can’t guarantee similar results, but it suggests that breathing will really help this wine.
In short, this is definitely a bargain if you like fruity Zinfandels. Give it lots of air, and you’ll be amply rewarded.