Jan 032013
 
2009 Ravenswood Zinfandel Belloni Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 91

A co-fermented field blend from this pre-prohibition vineyard of 75% Zinfandel and 25% black berries (Petite Sirah, Carignane and Alicante Bouschet) with an intriguing earthiness and old-vine rustic quality. A rich nose of blueberry, dark spice and notes of espresso. Rich flavors of blueberry jam, ripe raspberry, plum, black fruit and dark spice are married with well-integrated tannins and balance acidity. The long finish offers notes of dark berry, espresso, mocha and tobacco box. Buy This Wine

Jan 022013
 
2010 Wine Guerrilla Mounts Vineyard Zinfandel, Cypress Block, Dry Creek Valley, CA, $$35 (S) – Rating 92

A beautiful blend of 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah all sourced from Mounts Vineyard. A full nose of dark cherry and ripe plum with notes of dark spice, cinnamon and licorice. Rich flavors of dark cherry jam, ripe blackberry, boysenberry and ripe plum are well-integrated with notes of dark spice and supple tannins. As the wine opens, the notes of espresso become enticing. A surprising, yet balanced, level of acidity creates many food-pairing possibilities. Buy This Wine

Nov 112012
 
2009 V. Sattui Winery Quaglia Vineyard Zinfandel, Old Vine Zinfandel, Napa Valley, CA, $42 (S) – Rating 92

From an “old vine” vineyard which includes Petite Sirah and Carignane in the field blend. A beautifully smokey nose with notes of dark berries and spice. A leaner style than some jammy Zins. Very balanced with flavors of dark berry, blueberry, ripe plum, black pepper with notes of cocoa and espresso in the long finish. Patience will be rewarded …Give the wine at least 30 minutes to open up. Buy This Wine

Nov 112012
 
Distant Cellars is a new family owned (4 brothers and dad) winery. These are their first efforts. They show great potential for future vintages.
2009 Distant Cellars Winery Prospect Zinfandel, Fiddletown, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 87

A blend of Zinfandel from two vineyards (75% estate fruit) with a hint of Alicante Bouschet.  The nose offers notes of cherry, red berries and chocolate coming together with a certain jamminess. Flavors of dark cherry and dark berries are accented with notes of mint, chocolate and dark spice. Let the wine decant to soften the acidity and bold tannins. Buy This Wine

2009 Distant Cellars Winery “Drifter” Red Wine Blend, Amador County, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 3.8

This blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Alicante Bouschet offers a robust nose of dark cherry pie, spice and a little leather giving way to round flavors of dark cherry, ripe raspberry and spice with notes of saddle leather and dark chocolate. Tannins soften with decanting. Buy This Wine

Oct 142012
 
2009 V. Sattui Winery Gilsson Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, CA, $37 (S) – Rating 91

Sometimes yummy is the right descriptor and this Zin is yummy. A rich nose of cherry and strawberry jam is the first act followed by jammy flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and baking spice. Notes of espresso and soft tannins add a delicious finishing touch. Buy This Wine