A very great success, although it is expensive. Shows perfect Dry Creek Zinny character, with briary, brambly wild forest berry fruit, cola and spices, and a savory note of grilled meat. The finish is dry and balanced. More than half the oak barrels were new French, giving the wine a rich coat of toast. Drink this beauty now and over the next eight years.
— S.H.
(2/1/2012)
Held back, for some reason, for more than six years, this wine is showing beautifully now. Exhibits really fine structure, with firm but soft tannins and good acidity framing blackberry, cherry, cola and sandalwood flavors that are just on the verge of turning complex in the way of old wines. Should continue to evolve in interesting ways over the next 3–5 years.
— S.H.
(4/1/2010)
This is one of the most interesting Merlots of the vintage because it combines fruity ripeness with herbal and vegetal notes to create a complex wine. Blackberry and cassis, a bit of stewed tomato and mushroom, grilled meat, green olives and roasted coffee beans only begin to describe it. Dry and harmonious.
— S.H.
(7/1/2002)
A beautiful Bordeaux blend, soft and intricately detailed, with something for everyone. Fruit fans will like the array of blackberries, cherries and raspberries, and oak lovers will appreciate the sweet, caramelized smokiness. The tannins are rich and furry, and the finish lasts for a long time. Drink now–2013.
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)
A terrific Merlot, a real pleasure to drink and one of the stars of the vintage. The cool Russian River Valley has given it a great acid-tannin structure, yet this 100% Merlot is rich and flamboyant in cherries, blackberries, plums and bacon. Pricey, yes, but worth it.
— S.H.
(2/1/2012)
A dry, deeply flavorful and impressive Zinfandel that’s still young at the age of three-plus years. Shows an immaculate structure of strong tannins and acids framing intense flavors of blackberries and plums, spiced with pepper and finished with the scour of espresso. Needs a little time, though. Give it 1–3 years.
— S.H.
(4/1/2010)
This wine’s fat, tropical fruit, banana and toast nose has a pungent, spicy Gewürztraminer quality. The palate is the payoff. It shows the aforementioned elements, plus cinnamon, clove and vanilla flavors. What you get is a ripe, unctuous wine—big, maybe even a bit overblown, but totally lovable. The long, spicy finish of this unique bottling is impressive.
— W.E.
(7/1/2001)
Quite rich and distinguished, with the full-bodied weight and rich, thick tannins of a fine Cabernet, yet with Merlot’s flavors of cherries, plums, and violets, with a white chocolate edge. Impresses for its youthful purity and deliciousness, as well as the refined texture.
— S.H.
(8/1/2003)