88
points
Artevino 2006 Largo Ridge Zinfandel (Mendocino County)
-
$26
Classic warm-climate Zin, showing a soft, velvety texture housing fruity-ripe flavors of blackberries, cherries, melted milk chocolate, black pepper, anise and cinnamon. Easy to drink because it’s so tasty.
— S.H.
(7/1/2009)
88
points
Artevino 2005 Largo Ridge Zinfandel (Mendocino County)
-
$26
Technically, the wine is too soft and hot for balance, but it’s so luscious, so enjoyable, you can’t help but like it. The flavors just swarm all over the palate, offering cherries, blueberries, cola, violets, leather, bacon, carob and Asian spices, and the finish is satisfyingly complex and dry.
— S.H.
(11/1/2007)
87
points
Artevino 2005 Lost Creek Pinot Noir (Yorkville Highlands)
-
$32
Dry and rather tough in tannins, this may be one to cellar. It shows bitter cherryskin, cola and tobacco flavors, enhanced with oak, in a smooth, complex texture. Could do interesting things over the next five years, but who knows? The appellation, on a high plateau of coastal Mendocino County, has yet to define itself.
— S.H.
(11/1/2007)