91
points
Manzanita Creek 2004 Benediction Syrah (Dry Creek Valley)
-
$32
There’s a savage quality to this Syrah, suggesting fresh wild berries growing in fields of lavender, rosemary and pepper tree, and something animal, like roasted meat bone. Under all that it erupts with intense cherry and blackberry fruit, and the sizable tannins make for a puckery feeling. This is quite an interesting Syrah that will gain in complexity over the…
— S.H.
(9/1/2007)
89
points
Manzanita Creek 2003 Reserve Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
-
$45
Very fruity, in fact superfruity, this wine attacks with ripe pie-filling raspberries, red cherries, pomegranates, cola and vanilla-cocoa flavors that flood the mouth, lasting through a long, spicy finish. All that fruit is balanced with crisp acids, while a touch of dusty tannins adds to the fullness. Drink now.
— S.H.
(12/31/2007)
87
points
Manzanita Creek 2007 De Luxe Syrah (Sonoma Coast)
-
$27
A tough, rugged, tannic young wine, brisk in acids and pepper, and not showing much opulence now. There’s a molten core of blackberries and grilled, meaty leather, leading to a bone dry finish. Should mellow with 1–2 years in the bottle.
— S.H.
(2/1/2010)
86
points
Manzanita Creek 2003 Irene's Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
-
$55
What this wine needs is more acidic crispness. The flavors are totally delicious, the texture is elegant, the finish is totally dry, but the superripe cherries, raspberries, cocoa and cola just sort of melt into the palate, then fade away.
— S.H.
(9/1/2007)