David Hohnen was among Western Australia’s pioneers of Zinfandel in the 1970s, planting the vineyard that now supplies Cape Mentelle. He planted Rocky Road in the 1990s, and his pioneering work continues in the introduction of new clones. The 2011 is a Zinfandel of outstanding balance – an extremely difficult feat with this variety at a respectable alcohol level (14.5%). All the classic hallmarks of Zin are on parade: a sweet fruit core of stewed plums, Christmas cake and mixed spice, framed in sumptuous dark chocolate and vanillin oak, set off with finely textured tannins and impressive persistence. $32 at Canterbury Wines.