A very great value in Zinfandel, this warm-climate wine is filled with ripe berry fruit that only steady sunshine can produce. There are some underlying raisiny flavors but they’re overshadowed by the sheer balance. Exquisitely dry, flamboyantly drinkable, with wonderful tannins, this is great Zinfandel, and look at that price.
— S.H.
(9/1/2002)
With a little bottle age, this soft wine is picking up bottle bouquet of dried violets and Kahlúa, in addition to the plum, blackberry and olive tapenade notes. Drinks very rich, dry and spicy, scattering an array of dusty brown allspice and Chinese spice around the mouth.
— S.H.
(3/1/2004)
This is a spiritous Zinfandel, in the sense it feels richly soft, unctuous and alcoholic in the mouth, and there’s a sweetness to the cherries and chocolate that’s almost Port-like, in a good sense. Great barbecue wine, or for drinking with chocolate by a fire on a winter night.
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)
Under the warm Lodi sun Cabernet gets as ripe as anywhere in California. The trick is balance, which Peirano dependably achieves. This wine is robust in blackberry jam, cassis and chocolate flavors, but has good acids and firm tannins, and a soft, voluptuous texture.
— S.H.
(5/1/2006)
This pretty wine shows how well this variety thrives in Lodi. There’s a mushu pork note, with peppery plum aromas and flavors that are delicious, and yet the wine is bone dry. Adequate acids and tannins make for balance. It may not be a complex wine but it’s a thoroughly enjoyable one. Best Buy.
— S.H.
(9/1/2002)
Just what the doctor ordered in a likeable, affordable white wine. Packs plenty of ripe spearmint and lemon flavors with enough acidity to make it bright and clean. A tiny amount of sugar will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising the wine’s basic dryness. Best Buy.
— S.H.
(9/1/2002)
It’s rustic, but there’s something balanced and enjoyable in this wine. Combines blackberry and olive notes with some green, stalky flavors that add interest. It’s absolutely dry, not just in the official sense, but in the mouth, with a dusting of tannins. Best Buy.
— S.H.
(9/1/2002)
This sweet dessert wine charms for its pineapple-flavored crème brûlée and cinnamon spice flavors. With low alcohol, it’s a gentle sipper to have with fruit-based desserts.
— S.H.
(12/15/2008)