Terlato Vineyards

The Federalist Dueling Pistols Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Syrah

9.2222 ratings
8.75 pro ratings
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Zinfandel, Syrah
Game, Baking Spices, Duck, Goose, Potato, Chili & Hot Spicy, White Rice, Exotic Spices, Pasta, Herbs, Beans & Peas, Onion, Chicken, Pork, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Pungent Cheese, Soft Cheese, Mushrooms, Tomato-Based, Turkey, Veal, Hard Cheese
Top Notes For
Adam Kincaid

Not digging this. The nose is powerful. Maple syrup, dark chocolate, raspberries. Weird. But the palate is so flat and bland. Nothing of note. Really not exciting. Will also kill your palate with intense heat. Good story but the wine is forced. Hard pass.

Not digging this. The nose is powerful. Maple syrup, dark chocolate, raspberries. Weird. But the palate is so flat and bland. Nothing of note. Really not exciting. Will also kill your palate with intense heat. Good story but the wine is forced. Hard pass.

Jan 13th, 2019
Erica Finkelson

Jammy, big, spicy and acidic.... Yes please!

Jammy, big, spicy and acidic.... Yes please!

2 people found it helpfulNov 15th, 2015
Michael Chelus

Blackberry, cassis, raspberry, licorice, plum, mossy earth and oak. Great structure and quite tannic.

Blackberry, cassis, raspberry, licorice, plum, mossy earth and oak. Great structure and quite tannic.

1 person found it helpfulDec 14th, 2016
David Watkins

Good mix of spice and fruit. Delicious wine!

Good mix of spice and fruit. Delicious wine!

1 person found it helpfulSep 22nd, 2015
jesus g

Hospitality Schramsberg Vineyards

9.3

For dinner

For dinner

1 person found it helpfulJul 8th, 2015
Matt Young

Very good wine. I think it might be a little pricey for me but I would try and buy it

Very good wine. I think it might be a little pricey for me but I would try and buy it

Jun 27th, 2013
Tree Kilpatrick

Label is very Declaration of Independence or Constitution looking style. Not sure there are many Federalist in Dry Creek Valley in the liberal bastion of Sonoma county, but hey, it’s catchy. Lovely color of blood in a test tube. Smells clean, clear and lovely. Rocks, leather and, berry jams. Flavors are classic CA fine wine. Zingy, dry and herbal. Some spice. Like a nutmeg or black pepper spice. More of a coast Zin style than Syrah. But the Syrah does have its role in there. This is a nice gratifying wine with lots of complex flavors. Amazing because it’s coming in HOT at 15% ABV. Must have been very dry and hot in 2015 over there. This could age a bit into itself too. Nice juice.

Label is very Declaration of Independence or Constitution looking style. Not sure there are many Federalist in Dry Creek Valley in the liberal bastion of Sonoma county, but hey, it’s catchy. Lovely color of blood in a test tube. Smells clean, clear and lovely. Rocks, leather and, berry jams. Flavors are classic CA fine wine. Zingy, dry and herbal. Some spice. Like a nutmeg or black pepper spice. More of a coast Zin style than Syrah. But the Syrah does have its role in there. This is a nice gratifying wine with lots of complex flavors. Amazing because it’s coming in HOT at 15% ABV. Must have been very dry and hot in 2015 over there. This could age a bit into itself too. Nice juice.

Jan 12th, 2022
Clayton Kinsey

Really enjoyed this one! Lots of flavor, but couldn’t pick out specifics...still working on that. Will try again.

Really enjoyed this one! Lots of flavor, but couldn’t pick out specifics...still working on that. Will try again.

Feb 27th, 2019
Ming L
8.7

Pleasant aroma of blueberry, tart cherry, black pepper, vanilla, and hint of violet and green veggie. Unexpectedly bright and zesty on the palate. Assertive tannins. Can’t really find fault with this well balanced wine, but somehow I did not really like it.

Pleasant aroma of blueberry, tart cherry, black pepper, vanilla, and hint of violet and green veggie. Unexpectedly bright and zesty on the palate. Assertive tannins. Can’t really find fault with this well balanced wine, but somehow I did not really like it.

Sep 1st, 2018
David Madison

Wonderful wine with lamb stew!

Wonderful wine with lamb stew!

Mar 31st, 2018