Steven Beishuizen

9.2

On the nose, there is blackberry and dark cherry... On the palate, beautiful baked blackberry tart... Maybe even some baking spices in there as well including a wee cinnamon... The mild spice of an oriental pipe tobacco lurking... Acidity is middle of the road... Blueberry makes a late appearance... The tannins here are very soft and contributing to a long length that seems to go the earthy, savory direction... — 4 days ago

with Anita

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Blend of 65% Zinfandel, 26% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah & 4% Alicante Bouschet. Deep Ruby with aromas of red fruits, oak, spice and floral scents. On the palate flavors of cherry and raspberry with pepper, cacao, spice and smoky oak. Well balanced, fine tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, smoke and spice. Will age. — 4 days ago

Steven Beishuizen

9.1

On the nose, this is blackberry, red cherries, red currant... Cocoa powder? On the palate, the blackberry and current is still there, but certainly some herbal notes as well... Green pepper... Dried sage... Medium body and tannins are quite pronounced at this stage... Another couple of years may have been preferred to soften a bit though this may be at the expense of the great currant up front... I feel there's some smokiness in the texture that I like here... The finish is long and makes me think of tree bark... A nice pairing for us tonight with flank steak. — 6 hours ago

with Anita

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Medium Ruby color with aromas of berry fruits with notes of dried herbs, citrus and woody spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry, cranberry and cherry with espresso, vanilla and herb tea spice, well balanced with acidity. Fine soft tannins on a long finish ending with cacao, spices and slight earthy character. Very nice! — a day ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.0

Medium ruby color. Aromas of cranberry, cherry cola and herbs. Bright cherry and smooth black tea finish. — a month ago

Tyler Felous

9.0

Showing dark ruby. Ton of structure. Overpowered by tannin on first open. Will revisit rating in a few hours. — a month ago

Adam Gäfvert

9.3

Another great wine from this great, great producer. Aromatic with California ripeness yet fresh and lively. Raspberry, dark chocolate, dark cherry, herbs and spices. Great quality of fruit. Long finish. — a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2009 vintage. Golden color. Heavy body (still!!). Unctuous with a corresponding amount of acidity to keep the proceedings in check for the next decade. This ain’t going nowhere. About as far from my “jam” as is possible but still other-worldly. 5.1.24. — 15 days ago

Bella Tomassetti

8.9

This is one of my go to wines because it’s classic and goes well with many things. More in the oakier side and slightly heavy but I love the buttery flavor. — 15 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service; enjoyed over period that lasted a few hours. The 2008 pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with mostly fresh, tart, vibrant red fruits: red brambles, red currants and tart cherries with some pyrazines, tobacco, some cool herbs, dry earth and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and bordering high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and the body is perceptibly leaner than both the 1988 and the 2018. That being said, I love its transparency because it is clearly telling part of the story of the vintage. The frost was merciless in Dry Creek in the spring of 2008. So far, the evolution seems slow to me. Drink now with a decant but considering the structure, this has a long life ahead. If I had another bottle, I would open my next after 2028. — 15 days ago