92
points
JC Cellars 2005 Arrowhead Mountain Vineyard Zinfandel (Sonoma Valley)
-
$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)
91
points
JC Cellars 2004 Rockpile Vineyard Haley's Reserve Syrah (Rockpile)
-
$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)
90
points
JC Cellars 2006 Eaglepoint Ranch Petite Sirah (Mendocino County)
-
$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)
89
points
JC Cellars 2006 Preston Vineyard Marsanne (Dry Creek Valley)
-
$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)
89
points
JC Cellars 2005 The Imposter Red (California)
-
$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)
89
points
JC Cellars 2004 Fess Parker's Vineyard Syrah (Santa Barbara)
-
$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)