Sonoma County Wine Appraisal

1998 Valley of the Moon Sonoma County Zinfandel

This is a standard 750ml bottle of red wine, specifically a 1998 Zinfandel from Valley of the Moon Winery in Sonoma County, California. The bottle is constructed from dark green or amber glass, which is traditional for red wines to protect the contents from light exposure. The labeling is unique as the information is screen-printed or etched directly onto the glass in a white or silver-toned serif and script typeface, conveying a sophisticated and high-quality aesthetic typical of the late 20th-century Sonoma wine industry. The text identifies that the wine was vinted and bottled in Glen Ellen, California, with an alcohol content of 13.5% by volume. A government health warning and a standard UPC barcode are visible at the base of the back label. The capsule at the neck appears to be intact, featuring the 'Valley of the Moon' branding around the collar. The bottle shows signs of age-related wear, including some minor scuffing or dust accumulation on the glass surface, though the printed text remains legible and sharp. For an appraisal, the fill level (ullage) and storage history would be critical factors in determining the liquid's current quality and value as a collectible vintage item.