They say the vines are 85 years old, and I can believe it, because these authentically old Zin vines are intense. It’s not just intensity of cherry-berry fruit, but of substances that seem to exist deep in the soil, like stones and minerals and organic matter and decomposing volcanic litter and old compounds washed down from the mountains over time. I like this dry…
— S.H.
(12/1/2007)
Lots going on in this dry, young Pinot. Shows classic cool-climate, RRV character, with a pale color, delicately silky mouthfeel, and powerful cherry, cola, pomegranate, rhubarb, licorice and smoky oak flavors. A lovely wine; should develop over the next six years.
— S.H.
(4/1/2007)
You can smell the cassis and blackberry fruit a mile away. The oak, too. Dry and full-bodied, with a rich earthiness. Soft tannins make it immediately drinkable.
— S.H.
(11/15/2002)
A good, rich Pinot Noir, not an ager, but offers lots of true varietal flavor. It’s dry and silky, with accessible cherries, red currants, red licorice, orange zest, cola, cedar and cinnamon spices. Easy to like.
— S.H.
(11/1/2009)
This interesting Merlot seesaws between ripe flavors of blackcurrants and cassis and a delicious earthiness that suggests green olives. It’s very dry, with lusciously ripe tannins and soft acids. Not an ager, but a plump, meaty wine for early consumption.
— S.H.
(5/1/2004)
A bit tough and gritty now, with a chewy texture, like bacon or beef jerky. That’s in addition to the cherry, cola, anise and sandalwood flavors. Give this wine a good decant before serving.
— S.H.
(6/1/2010)
This is a very big, rich, extracted Pinot. While it’s undeniably delicious, it’s so stuffed with cherry-pie filling, black raspberry, mocha and cola flavors, it lacks subtlety, especially at this price. Give it a good, long decant and drink now.
— S.H.
(5/1/2013)
Bradford Mountain is in Dry Creek Valley. The wine is tough and young, but very good. With its brambly, peppery flavors and sturdy tannins, it could easily be mistaken for Zinfandel. Don’t hold that against it. Enjoy it for its lusty, zesty self.
— S.H.
(11/15/2002)