Shows that attractive apricot liqueur aroma that many late harvest whites have, and turns richly fruity and sweet in the mouth, with Bosc pear, wildflower honey, smoky caramel and vanilla flavors, wrapped in an unctuous texture. Crisp acidity balances and cleans.
— S.H.
(4/1/2007)
Classically full and rich, really extraordinarily extracted in blackberry and cherry jam and that mouthwatering Zin pepperiness, but dry and smooth. Quite a nice Zin, although it’s soft. Finishes like melted milk chocolate.
— S.H.
(5/1/2005)
Despite never having seen a splinter of wood, this wine is hugely rich and enormous in the most palate-flattering flavors. It's an explosion of jammy peaches, Delicious apples, mangoes and kiwi fruits. The acidity is high and the wine is balanced and clean, but it's the amazing fruit that really stars.
— S.H.
(5/1/2006)
One of the sweetest California dessert wines out there, and all that honey goes a long way to make it likeable. The apricot, pear, pineapple and vanilla bean flavors taste like something from Starbucks, but could be a bit more concentrated. Still, it’s certainly a decadent wine that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
— S.H.
(2/1/2008)
Dark, thick, soft and juicy, an amazingly flavorful wine with a depth of exotic flavors. Blackberry liqueur, dark chocolate, cherry jam, violet flower, charred beef bones and peppery spice flavors swirl together into a complex finish. But it’s a tannic wine that needs time. Best after 2008.
— S.H.
(4/1/2007)
Fans of big, thick, chocolaty and slightly sweet Zins will love this one. It has the softly tannic structure of hot country reds, with a luscious depth of blackberries, and the rustic nature of a wine made for barbecue.
— S.H.
(4/1/2007)
A blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, this unoaked wine has complex citrus fruit, vanilla bean, wildflower and spice flavors, brightened by a brisk scour of acidity. It’s actually better than many Lodi whites made from the individual varieties, showing the importance of the art of blending.
— S.H.
(2/1/2008)
Interesting and unique, with upfront smells of sweet roasted red pepper, lime, white peach, apricot and wildflower, and similar flavors. The texture is unctuous and syrupy, but is relieved by fresh acids.
— S.H.
(6/1/2003)