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JC Cellars Wines

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JC Cellars 2005 Preston Vineyard Marsanne (Dry Creek Valley)

Editors' Choice

Price $32

Dry Creek Valley has a natural affinity for Marsanne, and particularly in this balanced vintage. The grapes got ripe in lemon chiffon, peach and honeysuckle flavors, while a clean crispness and minerality add length and palate interest. Sur lies aging in the barrel brings even richer notes of cream and smoky vanilla. This Marsanne explores the outer reaches of the… — S.H. (8/1/2007)

JC Cellars 2005 Arrowhead Mountain Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)

Price $35

Very rich and juvenile now, with exotic cherry, blackberry, gingerbread, tangerine, herb tea, vanilla oak and spice flavors, this Zin has a thick, tannic intensity that needs time to mature. The power and concentration must come from the mountain vineyard, on the eastern side of the valley. Hold this dramatic, high-alcohol Zinfandel until mid-2008, at least. — S.H. (2/1/2008)

JC Cellars 2004 Rockpile Vineyard Haley's Reserve Syrah (Rockpile)

Online Exclusive

Price $50

Rockpile, a mountainy region in Dry Creek Valley, has given in this warm vintage a big young Syrah. Dry and smooth, it bursts with enormously ripe cherry flavors, but also is very tannic. It’s high in alcohol, a potential fault, but something in the acid-tannin structure keeps it balanced, and even elegant. Best now and for the next few years. — S.H. (8/1/2007)

JC Cellars 2006 Eaglepoint Ranch Petite Sirah (Mendocino County)

Cellar Selection

Price $45

The vineyard is on a mountainside overlooking central Mendocino, and is famous for the potency of its red wines. This Petite Sirah is enormous in fruity extract and tannins. Just detonates on the palate with blackberry jam, blueberry, milk chocolate, mushu plum sauce, black pepper and smoky oak flavors. But those tannins tug and obstruct full enjoyment. Give it… — S.H. (7/1/2009)

JC Cellars 1998 Alegria Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)

Price $30

From an increasingly well-regarded (and expensive!) vineyard. Wondrously complex, with aromas of blueberries and thyme, vanilla, blackberries and toast. Very ripe and extracted. The dense fruity flavors have the thickness of a liqueur, but it’s balanced and graceful. — S.H. (5/1/2000)

JC Cellars 2006 Preston Vineyard Marsanne (Dry Creek Valley)

Price $32

This Marsanne is so rich, so decadently delicious, you might want to drink it on its own. It’s a food group in itself, enormous in grilled fruit, apricot, honeysuckle, butterscotch and something dessert pastry-like. (Cinnamon buns? Twinkies?) Yet it’s dry. — S.H. (12/1/2008)

JC Cellars 2005 The Imposter Red (California)

Online Exclusive

Price $32

With only 72% Zin, they can’t call it by the varietal name. It’s a fine, brisk wine whose Petite Sirah, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier elevate the usual cherry-berry and spice flavors, giving it both earthier, deeper notes as well as brighter citrus fruits. Decant before serving. — S.H. (3/1/2008)

JC Cellars 2004 Fess Parker's Vineyard Syrah (Santa Barbara)

Online Exclusive

Price $29

Dense, dry and young, this is a Syrah for the cellar. With 10% Petite Sirah, it has some fierce tannins, and is a little soft, but possesses the inherent balance to age. Give it two or three years, then enjoy the hearty cherry, cassis, leather, cocoa and balsamic flavors for a couple more years. — S.H. (8/1/2007)

Most Reviewed Varietals [All]

Marsanne Petite Sirah Red Blend Rhône-style White Blend Rosé Shiraz/Syrah Zinfandel

Most Reviewed Regions [All]

Arroyo Seco Dry Creek Valley Mendocino Mendocino County Monterey Napa Valley Redwood Valley Rockpile Russian River Valley Santa Barbara Santa Barbara County Sonoma Valley

Gran Dovejo

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