Ironstone
The early rumblings of Ironstone Winery began in 1948 when John Kautz purchased 12 acres of vineyards in Lodi and earned a reputation as a premium grape source. After amassing over 5,000 acres in Lodi and the Sierra Foothills, John’s focus turned to creating a wine of his own. In 1988, John brought in winemaker John Millier to help him create Kautz wines which eventually transformed into Ironstone Vineyards according to our Ironstone wine reviews. Today, Ironstone is known as one of California’s largest winery entertainment complexes while remaining a family-run business. Ironstone wines range from their value entry-level line to their reserve selections that tend to score higher within our Ironstone wine ratings. Their wines are produced from over a dozen grape varieties but it is their Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that appear to be the most popular with consumers and critics alike. Be sure to check out our Ironstone Online Buying Guide to see which wines are best suited for you.
Showing 1 thru -9 of 89
Ironstone 2003 Reserve Meritage Red (Calaveras County)
- $35
This is easily the best Bordeaux red wine Ironstone has ever produced, and it’s a welcome addition to their portfolio. Mainly Cabernet, it’s absolutely dry and smooth, with dense but finely ground tannins that lend grip and structure to the cassis fruit. Really good now, with its layers of complex interest.
— S.H.
(8/1/2007)
Ironstone 2005 Reserve Meritage
- $45
Ironstone’s aim with this Bordeaux blend seems clear, to produce an ageworthy wine of distinction. They have largely succeeded, although it’s a very different style than you’ll find from anything on the coast. It shows the briary, brambly tannins and tastes usually associated with Foothills Zinfandel, but the black currant and cherry flavors belong to Cabernet…
— S.H.
(5/1/2009)
Ironstone 2007 Reserve Deaver Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel (Amador County)
- Editors' Choice
- $27
Strong and assaultive now in massive fruit, spice, oak and minerals, this old vine Zin offers a flood of wild blackberries, mulberries, red currants, licorice, cocoa, violets, black pepper and sandalwood, and the list goes on and on. It’s tannic and dry and very complicated, a Zin that changes by the second. Should last for many years. Now, with rich fare, and…
— S.H.
(4/1/2010)
Ironstone 2007 Reserve Rous Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel (Amador County)
- Editors' Choice
- $25
A complicated and interesting Zinfandel with lots to recommend it, and at a pretty good price. The wine is dry and tannic, but gentle enough to drink now. It has appealing flavors of blackberry tart, red currants and cola, liberally dusted with black pepper, anise and vanilla, and finished with sweet, smoky sandalwood. Feels lush and elegant and classy through the…
— S.H.
(4/1/2010)
Ironstone 2003 Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi)
- $20
If there’s anything Lodi succeeds at, it’s old-vine Zin. Of course, it’s soft and chocolaty, but it’s delicious, with beautifully etched cherry and blackberry flavors.
— S.H.
(2/1/2006)
Ironstone 2001 Meritage
- $35
A rich, balanced Cab-based blend of all 5 classic Bordeaux varietals. Understated and elegant, polished and fruity. Feels harmonious and balanced through the finish.
— S.H.
(2/1/2005)
Ironstone 2004 Reserve Cabernet Franc
- $19
Lots to like in this Cab Franc. Shows ripe, attractive cherry compote, black raspberry purée, cola, cocoa, coffee and spice flavors, with a rich, earthy edge of balsamic, sautéed mushroom and oaky vanilla. Then there are the tannins. They kick in and give the wine a youthful, lively structure. Very nice wine, but be sure to decant it for a few hours.
— S.H.
(8/1/2007)
Ironstone 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- $25
Ironstone’s reserve Cab is getting better and better, the result of attention to detail. The 2005, held back for three years before release, remains a toughly tannic wine, but it’s dry, balanced and elegant and contains a rich core of berry-currant fruit. Should develop for the next six years.
— S.H.
(5/1/2009)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 89
Most Reviewed Designations
advertisement
What We're Tasting
2009 Mira Hyde Vineyard
The esteemed Hyde Vineyard is in Carneros, and is the source for some…
Facebook Activity
advertisement
Twitter Activity