Black Zeppelin is a “big boy” wine. Lots of Petite Sirah black jammy fruit, tannins and oak create a complex structure. A bit less black pepper than others I enjoy but still a good spicy flavor. As of January 2011, The 2009 Black Zeppelin was still a very young wine and it needs some time to fully develop. Be sure to let it decant for up to a hour.
Four Graces Willamette Pinot Noir is a lovely example of Oregon Pinot. Not as brash and busty and those from California, the wine has full red and black fruit with subtle earthiness and silky tannins. Ten months in French oak adds to the complexity and balance.
A Napa Valley winemaker once told me that winemakers on Howell Mountain winemakers are “in their own world up there.” If that’s true, then Randy Dunn’s Howell Mountain Cabernets are out of this world. The 2002 is no exception. Big Chewy Fruit, Big Tannins and Big Oak without big alcohol are beautifully balanced into a wine that commands your attention and contemplation. Be patient, this big cab need some time to breathe for maximum pleasure.
Big and bold, few varietals have the “True Grit” of Petite Sirah. The 2007 offering by Parducci is no exception. These Mendocino County grapes produce a rich deeply purple wine. Much like Rooster Cogburn, the big fruit, black pepper and tannins are not for the faint of heart. Let this gunfighter cool his heels in your decanter for at least 30 minutes before taking aim on your palate.
I can’t say enough about Twenty Rows Napa Cabernet. I thought the 2007 was the best $20 Napa Cabernet and the 2008 follows suit. Very drinkable now with just a short decant. From the winemakers at Vinoce, this Cab is a great value.
