Dendor Patton Wisdom is a uniquely well-balanced and food friendly Zinfandel. Not as big and jammy as some from Sonoma, this beautiful medium-bodied Zin from Mendocino has a lovely nose of blueberry and briar with soft tannins and enough spice and oak to add character. The blend includes 7.5% Petite Sirah which adds to and compliments the structure.
The flavors of St. Rose Pinot Noir are subtly rich with a hint of the smoky fog that often covers the vineyard. Not as fruity or fleshy as some from Russian River, St. Rose has a unique presence in the glass and on the palate. Fred and Wendy Nunes of Nunes Vineyards hold back just enough of their grapes to make fewer than 200 cases of their own St. Rose Pinot. Other wineries consistently reach 90+ scores with these single vineyard designated grapes. This is a unique Pinot worth ordering.
Ravenswood Zinfandel Big River Vineyard is a delicious Zinfandel with all the jammy and spicy character you crave from an excellent old vine Zinfandel. The wine opens quickly both to nose and palate. Deep and fleshy with flavors of blackberry and plum, this Alexander Valley Zinfandel is complimented by a supple tannin structure.
Patience, Grasshooper, Patience. Ravenswood Barrica Single Vineyard is a very structured Zinfandel. At opening this zinfandel (24% Petite Sirah) is a bit tight, but give it time to breathe and it opens nicely albeit still structured. This old vine, low yield, dry farmed vineyard produces an intense and perfumed wine. We were surprised at how well this wine paired with our dinner of pasta with a rustic spicy Italian meat/tomato sauce. The food enhanced the wine and the wine enhanced the food. The way it should be!
Expression 44 Willakia Vineyard is an excellent assertive and powerful Oregon Pinot albeit a bit on the pricey side. Lots of black cherry, oak and spice with a graceful balance. A lovely nose, full mouth-feel and lingering finish add to the enjoyment. Plenty of 90+ ratings.
