Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Industrialist James D. Zellerbach acquired the 200 acre Hanzell estate on the Mayacamas slopes in 1948, in 1952 he planted 2 acres of Pinot Noir and 4 acres of Chardonnay on the site. Aromas of red fruits and floral scents with notes of cola and tea. On the palate flavors of cherry, dried raspberry, brewed tea and cola with floral and spicy notes. Smooth tannins, long finish, great balance, ending with earthy mineral tones. Something Special from the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Western Hemisphere. — 8 days ago

Randy Fuller

9.3

The straw colored wine offers a bountiful nose, full of floral notes, citrus, stone fruit and a decent helping of oak spice. The mouthfeel is full and creamy, yet with an acidity that is just short of racy. The fruity palate is draped with enough oak so that you know it’s there, but not so much that it is a bother. La Crema has a nice sipping Chardonnay here. — 24 days ago

Anthony Riebsomer

9.0

Very smooth, dry light body. Easy to drink for the blend of grapes — 5 days ago

vinokeeno

9.1

2009 vintage. Some cola nut, cinnamon, allspice and fairly bright cherry. Had some sulphury funk upon opening but blew off after 2-3 minutes. Still medium-bodied. Don't see it getting better but should hold here for another 4.5 years. — 25 days ago

Douglas Braun

8.9

2020 Vintage out of a 375ml screw cap -nice cherry fruit , some floral , don’t get any oak here a bit phenolic but a descent wine — 5 days ago

Rob N

9.3

This wine is drinking great. Silver Oak can be pretty tannic, especially the Alexander Valley. 10 years in, that has mellowed and you’re getting some nice fruit and secondary flavors. Chloe V-Day gift. — 3 days ago

Steve Mitchell

9.1

Very drinkable zinfandel blend. Paired well with our Cornish game hen and potatoes. Reasonable price point.
Ridge consistently produces a nice bottle of wine. — 24 days ago

Brian Hearty

8.9

2011. I really like how this aged. It’s not a jammy, acidic, alcoholic Zinfandel. Lighter body, spice aromas, red plum fruits, mellowed tannins and acidity. — 15 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured, no formal notes. The 2018, Rafanelli is throwing a lot of sediment already in its relative youth. It’s also restrained in the typical Rafanelli, but atypical Zinfandel way. Great balance, and quite delicious however the fruit shows on the slightly under ripened end of the spectrum. That being said, I expect age to be very kind to this vintage. Drink now with a short decant and over the next 15+ years. A lovely pairing with grilled steaks. — 6 days ago

Joe Weinberger

9.2

Beautiful purity of fruit here. Certainly can tell it’s Pinot from a warmer climate but doesn’t feel heavy or cloying. — 3 days ago