Makes you want to shout—it’s that good. Pure Alexander Valley all the way, with well-ripened cassis and blackberry-infused fruit and soft, luscious, but intricately detailed tannins. A blast of new oak contributes vanilla, toast and mint. The finish is very dry and complex.
— S.H.
(12/1/2001)
Pure, focused aromas of berries, cassis and oak. Terrific depth of flavor, impeccable balance; classy, rich and elegant. Tannins are ultrasoft and showy. Shows off the Alexander Valley at its best; from a consistent producer.
— W.E.
(11/15/1999)
Flamboyant is the word here. Huge aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, butterscotch, vanilla, smoke and oriental spices are lavishly oaked. The wine drinks rich and creamy and slightly sweet, and will be fabulous with cream sauce and lobster. And look at that price! A super-value. —S.H.
— S.H.
(5/1/2002)
Offers lush, intricate flavors of blackberries, cassis, roasted coffeebean, sweet milk chocolate and toasty oak in a soft, gentle wine that has complexity and interest. Not an ager, but a real beauty.
— S.H.
(11/15/2004)
A very fine wine that showcases what Souverain can do, and also the vintage and the appellation. Well-ripened black currant and cassis flavors are wrapped in a smooth, creamy wine, with good acidity. The mouth experience is rich and classy.
— S.H.
(10/1/2005)
Luscious, long, full-bodied and rich, a wonderful wine that showcases its appellation. Has well-ripened flavors of blackcurrants and cassis that drink long and deep, although there’s some hollowness, which costs it a few points. The flavors are wrapped in soft, easy but complex tannins. Fully dry and nicely oaked, this wine is immediately enjoyable.
— S.H.
(11/15/2003)
Superripe and gooey with tropical fruit. Bursting with mango, pineapple, guava, orange, roasted hazelnut, buttered toast, vanilla and smoke, in a custardy texture that’s smooth and refined. Finishes dry, with a lingering flavor of orange and spice.
— W.E.
(12/31/2003)
This is 100% Zinfandel, unlike the regular bottling, from specially selected barrels. 300 cases made. There’s concentrated raspberry fruit in the nose, good intensity on the palate, with a good, rich mouthfeel and full, soft tannins in the finish.
— P.G.
(3/1/2001)