Although this is a fairly simple, direct Merlot, it’s a likeable one. It’s smooth and spicy, and the rich blackberry, cherry, red currant and mocha flavors, while a little sweet, are balanced with complex tannins and firm acids. Drink now.
— S.H.
(2/1/2009)
Made in the extracted New World style, this Chard has jammy apricot, pineapple and pear flavors liberally drenched in butterscotch-scented, smoky oak. The grapes come from Santa Lucia Highlands and Paso Robles.
— S.H.
(2/1/2009)
Good, everyday red for those who like their Zins briary, brambly and rustic. It’s a soul food wine, whose berry-cherry flavors are just short of of raisiny. Not without its faults, but easy and gulpable.
— S.H.
(9/1/2007)
This is the kind of wine someone serves at a big party, maybe in paper cups, along with the canapes, and you’re delighted because it’s actually pretty good. It’s dry, soft and chocolaty, with a rich undertow of blackberries and currants.
— S.H.
(11/15/2008)
This is a pretty good wine, dry, spicy and full-bodied, but it’s not particularly Cabernet-ish or Napa-ish. It could be Zinfandel or Syrah or anything, with its peppery black currant and mocha flavors. It’s also quite soft. Drink now.
— S.H.
(12/1/2008)
Simple and fruity, a light, cheery quaff destined to accompany burgers and the like. Raspberry and strawberry fruit, laced with a dash of vanilla.
— W.E.
(9/1/2005)
Rugged and a little sweet, this Zin shows the briary, brambly character of Sonoma Zin, with jammy wild black, blue and red berries liberally spiced with pepper and clove. Good with barbecued beef and chicken slathered in sauce.
— S.H.
(2/1/2009)
Seems a bit pricey for what you get: a ripe, forward but ultimately simple Cab-based red. It’s candied in cherry-mocha flavors, with raw tannins.
— S.H.
(10/1/2007)