My favorite zin producer!
My favorite zin producer!
Feb 10th, 2026
These are recalled impressions, not contemporaneous notes, from two nights ago, when the family council of elders met for a steak/wine pairing event at my brother Angelo’s house.
Another consensus favorite, the ‘16 version is stellar. So deep, but with that elusive (for Zin) old-world sense of balance, structure, and restraint. Paired beautifully with both kinds of steaks
These are recalled impressions, not contemporaneous notes, from two nights ago, when the family council of elders met for a steak/wine pairing event at my brother Angelo’s house.
Another consensus favorite, the ‘16 version is stellar. So deep, but with that elusive (for Zin) old-world sense of balance, structure, and restraint. Paired beautifully with both kinds of steaks
Jan 3rd, 2026The 2019 edition of this wine seems looser, lower in acid, and more on the savory side than usual. Scorched earth and very pure, spicy Zin blackberry fruit on the nose. Round and and soft in the mouth. Up-front Zin fruit quickly gives way to more savory elements. A slight bitterish note, not unpleasant, as the finish progresses. Unlike other Storybook Zins, I’d drink this one sooner rather than later.
The 2019 edition of this wine seems looser, lower in acid, and more on the savory side than usual. Scorched earth and very pure, spicy Zin blackberry fruit on the nose. Round and and soft in the mouth. Up-front Zin fruit quickly gives way to more savory elements. A slight bitterish note, not unpleasant, as the finish progresses. Unlike other Storybook Zins, I’d drink this one sooner rather than later.
Aug 1st, 2025Dinner party. Very busy cooking. No formal notes. Soft, fragrant. Composed. Entering its prime drinking window.
Dinner party. Very busy cooking. No formal notes. Soft, fragrant. Composed. Entering its prime drinking window.
Jan 24th, 2025Structured and composed. Not even close to its apogee. Happy Thanksgiving!
Structured and composed. Not even close to its apogee. Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 25th, 2022
2016 Vintage - (375ml) -boysenberry, bramble fruit, spice, soft tannins, oak (14.7%abv)
2016 Vintage - (375ml) -boysenberry, bramble fruit, spice, soft tannins, oak (14.7%abv)
Jul 27th, 2021
Bramble berry, sour cherry, slight rubber, vanilla cream, cedar, spice, soft tannins, moderate abv for zin @14.7 and nice acid. Maybe just a touch too much new oak for me, but definitely ribeye worthy.
Bramble berry, sour cherry, slight rubber, vanilla cream, cedar, spice, soft tannins, moderate abv for zin @14.7 and nice acid. Maybe just a touch too much new oak for me, but definitely ribeye worthy.
Oct 13th, 2020From 375. Gorgeous nose has lifted spicy blackberry, a note of warm, moist gravel, and wood smoke. Still youthfully structured, but displaying great balance and very pure fruit and a nice, restrained minerally note. The finish is all brambly Zin.
From 375. Gorgeous nose has lifted spicy blackberry, a note of warm, moist gravel, and wood smoke. Still youthfully structured, but displaying great balance and very pure fruit and a nice, restrained minerally note. The finish is all brambly Zin.
Aug 9th, 2019
Still a stunner. Mellow but concentrated fruit flavors, nice acidity and a medium finish. In a sweet spot right now.
Still a stunner. Mellow but concentrated fruit flavors, nice acidity and a medium finish. In a sweet spot right now.
Mar 28th, 2019
Dark ruby, cloves, mint, tobacco on the nose. Prunes, spice, black cherry.
Dark ruby, cloves, mint, tobacco on the nose. Prunes, spice, black cherry.
Sep 30th, 2018
Napa Valley, California, USA
