After struggling with this vineyard for a number of years, Joe Benziger seems to have gotten a handle on this finicky mountain fruit. Even in this so-so vintage, the wine is complex and pleasurable, although tannic. Hold until 2008.
— S.H.
(4/1/2005)
Imagery’s wines, across the board, keep getting better and better, and this single-vineyard Cab is the latest example. It’s dry and complex, with cassis and blackcurrant flavors that are seasoned with toasty oak. Finishes balanced and elegant.
— S.H.
(4/1/2005)
A remarkably rich and dense wine, considering the poor reputation of the vintage. It is stuffed with blackberry and cherry fruit that is well oaked, with vanilla, spice and smoky nuances. It’s lush and supple, with the texture of velvet. You almost hate to swallow, but the finish is long and suave.
— S.H.
(4/1/2004)
Excellent, wild and wonderful Zin. Here’s a wine that captures the varietal’s cowboy character, with its briary flavors of wild, sun-warmed berries and peppery spices. The dry, firmly tannic mouthfeel is classy. A fabulous homemade pizza, topped with gooey cheese, is the perfect marriage.
— S.H.
(9/1/2003)
Big, dark, tannic, dry and fruity, yet balanced in all its parts, this gentle giant actually shows elegance. It’s packed with cherry, tobacco, mint and oak flavors that drink well now, and should hold and improve for many years.
— S.H.
(10/1/2005)
Pricey, but worth it for the young, fresh, jammy aromas and great flavors. Bursting with blueberry, black cherry, bay leaf and smoke, yet pretty tannic and bitter, it's a tough punchy wine that calls out for great food.
— S.H.
(12/1/2001)
Showcases this California variety nicely, with a rich dark color and powerfully fruity, peppery, plummy aromas. There's a rich mouthfeel to the blackberry and plum flavors, as well as solid tannins and good acidity. This is a super Barbera, and a fine expression of terroir.
— S.H.
(12/1/2001)
Absolutely delicious for its lipsmackingly rich plummy, blackberry and smoky, earthy flavors. They flood the mouth with ripe, sweet fruit, and are made lively by fresh acids and wonderfully complex tannins. This wine is made with one-fifth Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah to add body. Editors’ Choice.
— S.H.
(9/1/2003)