The Black River

Robert Biale Vineyards

Black Chicken Napa Valley Zinfandel 2017

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Sweet nose of black fruits, cedar, vanilla, licorice, spices, chocolates, tobacco and black pepper.

Full bodied and elegant with medium acidity and long legs

Dry on the palate with black currants, plums, cooked cherries, light cedar, licorice, chocolates, coffee, light earth and peppercorn.

Tangy finish with fine grained tannins and cherries.

This 9 year old Zinfandel from Napa Valley is drinking beautifully now. Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel, complex and entertaining.

Drinking at its peak, and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years. Tangy and spicy, rich and inviting.

I had this vintage 7 years ago, and it is drinking much better now.

Wine Enthusiasts 91 points.

Good right out of the bottle, and good by itself or with food.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$50.
— 19 days ago

Robin, Jonathan and 7 others liked this

Martinelli

"Giuseppe & Luisa" Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2022

Strawberry jam, high alcohol, red fruit compote. — a month ago

Kosta Browne

One Sixteen Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2019

Oak, pear, citrus, mineral, and brioche. — 2 months ago

Kosta Browne

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Cherry, vanilla, and blackberry with a touch of oak. Fruity but still very structured this is still a favorite of mine. — 11 days ago

Rob liked this

Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2009

Deep garnet, dark fruit - plum, black cherries, blackberries. Organic forest floor, some river stones, mushroom. Slight tobacco. — 19 days ago

Merry Edwards

Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Dry white at Joe’s stone crab! Loved! — a month ago

Aubert

Eastside Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2023

Low acidity with a nice butter finish. — 4 days ago

Williams Selyem

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021

Paired with scampi and a salad. WS has figured it out. — 20 days ago

Tom and Scott@Mister liked this

Failla

Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Very nice and truly enjoyed. — a month ago

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2022

Inky in color with a reddish rim.

Fruity nose of black currants, plums, licorice, light cedar, earth, cola, herbs, spices, tobacco leaf, dark coffee, black tea and light garigge notes.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with black plums, currants, oak, light licorice, spices, dark chocolates, earth, tobacco leaf, cola, herbs, peppercorn and light vegetables.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This young Cabernet Sauvignon based Bordeaux blend from Napa Valley is already drinking beautifully. Rich and fruit forward. Nicely balanced with a smooth mouthfeel. Elegant and complex, spicy and tangy.

Delicious now, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 to 15 years.

The alcohol is nicely integrated already, although not as high as typically from this region.

Robert Parker 95 points. Wine Spectator 92 points.

I've had a few vintages of this wine and this is not my favorite, by far.

A great sipping wine that will also pair nicely with a big piece of steak.

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 1% Malbec.

14% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$450.
— a month ago

Jay, Stephen and 9 others liked this
Jay Kline

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These wines, to my palate, are not particularly interesting this young. After 15+ years from vintage? Way more interesting.
"Odedi"

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@Jay Kline not a great vintage too
Jay Kline

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Personally, I think many have overreacted regarding 2022. Yes, Mother Nature threw some challenges late in the harvest but some made outstanding wines and when you consider the fruit source for Opus One, I’m sure they were on the winning side.