Dark Matter Wines
Dark Matter Zinfandel
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
Happy thanksgiving to all the great people on delectable- love you my fellow vino lovers
Happy thanksgiving to all the great people on delectable- love you my fellow vino lovers
Nov 27th, 2021
WNH Zin night.
Knowing the price (forced in to a 3-pack at around $110/bottle), and knowing the pedigree (Mondavi family Howell Mtn zin), you expect a certain quality. It’s not that this was subpar, it was more that this seemed in the wrong league.
My initial reaction was much worse than this final score reflects. I decanted this two hours after having a small glass which was crazy tannic. My initial, and final, thoughts on this wine are that Lamborn’s zin is equal in quality at less than half the price. That’s a significant difference. Similar to Lamborn, this isn’t overly hot, jammy or disjointed. The structure here is actually quite nice, and improved only slightly the longer it was open. It is closer to a cab, or maybe powerful merlot, in profile. There is a distinct Andes chocolate mint note prevalent throughout. Aromatically, it’s a touch high toned with bright red and black fruits, but on the palate, it shows a touch more complexity...Andes chocolate mint, spiced black raspberries, currant, and cedar. This isn’t getting any better, so open if you have it.
WNH Zin night.
Knowing the price (forced in to a 3-pack at around $110/bottle), and knowing the pedigree (Mondavi family Howell Mtn zin), you expect a certain quality. It’s not that this was subpar, it was more that this seemed in the wrong league.
My initial reaction was much worse than this final score reflects. I decanted this two hours after having a small glass which was crazy tannic. My initial, and final, thoughts on this wine are that Lamborn’s zin is equal in quality at less than half the price. That’s a significant difference. Similar to Lamborn, this isn’t overly hot, jammy or disjointed. The structure here is actually quite nice, and improved only slightly the longer it was open. It is closer to a cab, or maybe powerful merlot, in profile. There is a distinct Andes chocolate mint note prevalent throughout. Aromatically, it’s a touch high toned with bright red and black fruits, but on the palate, it shows a touch more complexity...Andes chocolate mint, spiced black raspberries, currant, and cedar. This isn’t getting any better, so open if you have it.
On the nose; ripe blackberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, a slight soapy character, black raspberry cola/touch of licorice, saddlewood, lilacs and violets. M body and M-M+ tannins. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, blue fruit blend, black licorice, soft wood influence, touch of cola, vanilla, clove, pepper, medium intensity of dark spice, raining acidity and a nice, richly polished finish.
On the nose; ripe blackberries, dark cherries, blue fruits, a slight soapy character, black raspberry cola/touch of licorice, saddlewood, lilacs and violets. M body and M-M+ tannins. Blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries, blue fruit blend, black licorice, soft wood influence, touch of cola, vanilla, clove, pepper, medium intensity of dark spice, raining acidity and a nice, richly polished finish.
Aug 27th, 2017
Come on. Watch out for this one. 2011 Cabernet
Come on. Watch out for this one. 2011 Cabernet
Dec 5th, 2014
From the Mondavi sisters. Howell Mtn Zin- 85 cases produced.
From the Mondavi sisters. Howell Mtn Zin- 85 cases produced.
Nov 10th, 2013Hard to believe it’s a Zinfandel. At first taste! Aged longer than most Zinfandels. Love it!
Hard to believe it’s a Zinfandel. At first taste! Aged longer than most Zinfandels. Love it!
Mar 28th, 2020
First time having this wine and enjoyed it very much. Thanks for sharing, Angelina!
First time having this wine and enjoyed it very much. Thanks for sharing, Angelina!
Jan 15th, 2018