Sonoma County Zinfandel
Martinelli
Lolita Ranch Zinfandel 2013
Ridge Vineyards
Buchignani Ranch Zinfandel Blend 2013
Power and elegance woven together- never at odds with one another. The tension of this wine is where it should be- in its fresh and youthful acidity. These 70-year-old head-pruned vines sit in a wonderful site on one of the best eastern slopes in Alexander Valley. The dedicated Carignan bottling is also worth finding. This blend is fairly true to itself with bright brambly fruit and exotic spice character, revealing lots of fresh mint, dill and cedar. Also a bit on the lush side- not exactly an Oak Monster invasion happening here but definitely revealing oak tannins-charred caramel, campfire and vanilla on the finish. There is an undeniable shift happening at Ridge- deliberate or not- towards more ripeness and more voluptuous wines coming from their Sonoma and Napa vineyards. But they remain beautifully crafted and expressive of their place. This is quintessential California- not the stewed blackberry jam doused in vanilla extract. — 9 days ago
Dashe Cellars
Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2014
The plums are bright but they’re still kind of plummy. Very drinkable though, with just enough earthiness. — 11 days ago
Carlisle Winery & Vineyards
Limerick Lane Vineyard Zinfandel 2013
Probably WOTN for me. VERY approachable 2013 with some sweet fruit front of raspberry and red cherry. Not a heavier zin by far, and almost tastes like an aged pinot by the palate profile, but the nose is definitely zin. Finishes with a lot of youth. This one has a huge aging potential. I don't think this one will start going until 2022 or so with proper cellaring. Very impressed by this Carlisle Zin. OMG, QUITE hedonistic. — 4 days ago
Under the Wire
Bedrock Vineyard Sparkling Zinfandel Rosé 2013
Clean and incisive, red berry fruit and a slight touch of brioche on the nose. Creamy but somewhat aggressive mousse. I think @Morgan Twain-Peterson and @Chris Cottrell are doing very cool things here and am waiting to see some late disgorgement versions of these! — 12 days ago
Carlisle Winery & Vineyards
Pagani Ranch Zinfandel
Carlisle is one of several winemakers who make wine from this heritage vineyard. Zin yes but in classic field blends from the late 1800’s, this one also includes some Alicante Bouchet, Caignane and Petite Sirah. The results are magnificent. Decanted two hours before dinner and it still opened up over the next couple of hours. My hats are off to Carlisle for making such wonderful wine with such precious resources. A proper Father’s Day celebration! Wow! — 2 days ago
Battaglini Estate Wines
Old Vines Zinfandel 2005
Deep baked raisiny goodness across a sweet baked goods nose of late harvest fruit. Pleasantly acidic across a complex and lasting palate. Deep bourbon body with astringent finish. Embrace the deep old vine. Keeps getting better. — 6 days ago
Carlisle Winery & Vineyards
Montafi Vineyard Zinfandel
Rancho San Miguel
Old Vine Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2014
2014, 750ml bottle. Big and bold full bodied. Excellent nose, dark ruby color, and delicious. This is bigger than the 2012 and 2013. Blind tasted three Zin’s from different wineries before deciding which one would go with our meal.. This was a 5 - 1 winner! Enjoyed with family and friends with four different pizzas from Jerry’s Morningside Pizza. Japes and Zota missed out...maybe next time. — 12 hours ago
Mark Flesher
After a glass poured from Coravin about a year ago, and then kept in bottle, this one has some rather serious longevity, this one was initially all about mint, herb spices, and green pepper with a strong black pepper finish. As this one sat in the glass, much more of a ripe, red fruit emerged. This one is way better with food than without. I'd easily say that this one is a 93 with food, but without food I think that a clove and kind of an herbal note kind of takes over this wine and lowers the rating. I think this wine will integrate further over the next few years, and really is still quite stiff on the finish. — 8 days ago