Classic Dry Creek Zin. There’s a reason this warmish Sonoma region is so famous for Zinfandel, and here it is. The wine is strong and spicy and tannic, with profuse wild berry, pine cone, red currant, cherry liqueur and cola flavors, made piquant with Indian spices. Despite its exuberance, it’s dry and balanced. Just lovely if you’re in the mood for Zinfandel.
— S.H.
(7/1/2010)
Spicy plum and black cherry notes lead the way, followed by a pleasing blend of blackberry, cassis, coffee, chocolate and vanilla. Tannins are firm and focused, giving supple strength to the whole. Quite nice. Elegant to the end.
— W.E.
(11/1/2003)
Very pretty nose, with plenty of raspberry-focused fruit, and a nice creamy mouthfeel. Delicious, mouth-filling, concentrated wine, with a lot of finesse and a wonderful ripeness. Smooth tannins, long finish, with a touch of toast.
— P.G.
(3/1/2001)
The aroma is classic Dry Creek Zin: all wild berries (blueberry, raspberry, blackberry), rich dried earth under a hot summer sun, licorice, raisins and plums. On the palate, there’s gobs of rich, ripe fruit. A very dry Zin, with the burn of high alcohol (14.7%). Tannins are silky soft, but complex. Maybe a tad rough around the edges, but very pretty.
— S.H.
(2/1/2000)
Gamy, menthol-and-leather notes envelope the creamy blackberry aromas on the nose of this Syrah. Strong toast and mint notes bolster the sour blackberry fruit on the palate. The wine’s tart, dry chalk-berry finish and dry tannins prompted one taster to say, "Water…now. I need water."
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)
A single-vineyard wine, and a very good one. Stylish from the start, with polished tannins framing plummy, berry flavors, and a super-smooth mouthfeel. Nice and dry. Rich foods will cut through the thick tannins.
— S.H.
(12/15/2003)
This wine earned very different impressions among the panelists. Where one person found it mouthfilling and balanced, another found it flat. One complained that all of the wine’s plummy, spicy flavor was concentrated on the front palate, but another lauded its long, peppery finish.
— W.E.
(9/1/2005)
This dry white enters the mouth on the grassy, feline side, then finishes rich in figs and pineapples. It has excellent acidity that leaves the palate feeling clean and refreshed. Will be versatile with a wide range of fare.
— S.H.
(8/1/2006)