12/18/2023 - bzukaitis wrote:

Quite good. Not familiar with Livermore Valley but impressed with this blend. Garnet color. Strawberry. Coco nibs. Red plum. Oak. Nice finish. Soft tannins. Probably best now but maybe another couple years at peak. I would buy a case for every day consumption.

12/26/2019 - bzukaitis wrote:

To quote Borat “Wawa wewoo!” Amazing stuff at over a decade old. Has some bad luck with some aged bottles so didn’t want to let this one go too long. The soft tannins and long finish make this purely enjoyable right now. Wish I had a couple more to see where these keep going.

12/20/2019 - bzukaitis wrote:

From producer website:
A beautiful migration of rich, ripe raspberries, blueberries and red currants cradled with black pepper and oak spices.
Our H. Mynors Zinfandel is deep ruby in color and displays aromas of cranberries, violets, brown sugar and vanilla. On the palate, it is rich and spicy, offering flavors of cranberries, black pepper and bright red fruit that integrate with hints of oak spices which coat the palate. The round soft tannins and sweet oak balance lead to a long and lingering finish.
Food Pairing Notes
Kansas slow cooked BBQ'd ribs and chocolate truffle cake

5/8/2018 - bzukaitis wrote:

From website: Our Red Blend brings together fruit from two renowned growing regions, Washington and California. This wine is silky and medium bodied, with layers of red fruit complemented by aromas of spice and vanilla leading to a long silky finish.

10/23/2017 - bzukaitis wrote:

Good night 1 and better night 2. Soft, dark fruits, but not overripe; plum blueberry. Wondering if this has some Cab Franc mixed in with a slightly floral nose and palate. Not over abounding with fruit but good aged wine. Soft tannins but still feels like it has something left.

5/13/2017 - bzukaitis wrote:

Not going to rate as I think I waited too long on this one. Slight bricking to rim. Initial reaction was disappointment. Just did an '08 not too long ago and it was outstanding. My wife who will tell you she doesn't know anything about wine except if she likes it or not said maybe it will be better tomorrow. Well she was right on that one. Still not what the '08 had going but wat better. Smooth like a merlot should be. Slightly boozy on the finish so was not surprised to see 14.5% on the label. Probably would have been more hidden with fruit 2 years ago. But that also isn't something that offends me either. It's booze for Christ sake. It has alcohol in it. My recommendation is not to wait on this one.

2/8/2017 - bzukaitis wrote:

Super thin. Almost diluted. No hint of anything that would have ever been pleasurable. I was also duped by the next to these vineyards write up. Feel embarrassed to have paid $40 a bottle. I opened a $16 Washington red blend for my wife to drink while I suffer though this to see if it opens up somehow. Hope in one hand, shit in the other. The $16 bottle is much better.

1/4/2017 - bzukaitis wrote:

From Website:
“A rich, boisterous wine, the 2013 Zinfandel literally jumps from the glass with exuberant,
racy red fruits. Aging in steel keeps the flavors bright, focused and floral throughout. Drink this vinous Zinfandel
over the next few years,while the fruit remains vibrant.” Antonio Galloni (July 2015)

I agree with the red fruit and floral notes but boisterous, exuberant, and racy it is not. Thin, translucent, almost more like a Pinot in color. Probably due to the lack of wood barrel aging. Would not have guessed as a Zin if tasted blind. Might have said a Pinot or maybe Cab Franc. But this is coming from a guy that holds every Zin to the Biale standard which are dark, thick, unctuous Zins. I think AG likes the Foxglove brand better than I and that some like these more "feminine" Zins. The '13 Paso Cab was also underwhelming, but a better all around wine than this.

12/19/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

Got discounted at $5/bt. That's about right. Not very good. I don't get the 86, and the 91 is ludicrous speed. They've gone plaid. I was hoping this was a discounted steal, but barely drinkable. My suggestion is to save for the last bottle of the night when someone wants you to open more wine but you don't want to.

9/4/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

Opened very astringent but mellowed over time. Definitely past peak but still enjoyable. My cork popped 3/4 way down also. Fruit lacking but still enjoyable with strip steak and Asian marinade chicken mixed grill. Spring valley has been very good. If they have maintained quality buy and enjoy more recent vintages.

8/10/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

Went back and bought 8 more of these with another 4 of the 2012 Chardonnay. With case discount, I bought these for $7.20/bt. I would pay double for these. If you live in Kansas City, go to Lucas Liquor and stock up while these are still available.

7/30/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

“A blend of Merlot (58%), Syrah (35%), Petite Sirah (5%) and Primitivo, this hedonistic wine offers appealing suggestions of coffee, vanilla and cherry. Ripe, silky soft milk chocolate flavors finish warm.” — S.S. (3/1/2015)
https://ryanpatrickwines.com/2015/11/90-pts-ryan-patrick-2012-rock-island-red-wine-enthusiast/

6/30/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

This was in a perfect place. Not sure if it will get any better. Drink up!

6/14/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

Green vegetable, medicinal to open. Dissipated over time, but guessing this was better several years ago. Received as some overflow from my dad back in 2011. Wish I would have split the difference. Maybe something happened in transition as this was kept in wine fridge before and after receiving. I wish I had the same experience as recent tastings. Some dark fruit came through but was overpowered even on day 2 when it had softened.

6/8/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

Bingo msuwright. Bought 2 myself in 2012 of lot18 for $55/bt. Truly amazing wine with such a long finish. Enough structure to last several more years. This wine gives me a roll of quarters in my pants.

6/5/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

Only read Mike's review. Anyone mentioning oak doesn't know anything about wine. Per producer, "Steel tank fermented to maintain the fresh fruit character of the wine with light oak influence." I don't get much, if any oak, which is disappointing to me. The best Chardonnay's I have consumed were laden with oak, butter and vanilla. I am very sad this is not in favor with current production because citrus, apple Chard is more like a Sauv. Blanc to me. A good Chardonnay should get better, not worse, as it warms in the glass. This current incarnation is for non-Chardonnay lovers. Bought for $5 on clearance. Will make for good hot afternoon wine served fridge cold.

5/30/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

Not sure about Wine Advocate '16-'36 drinking window as this seems significantly more muted than just a couple years ago. Still have 3 more but glad I have consumed my stash earlier than later. Will save 1 for the long haul and see where it ends up.

5/28/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

Better day 2. Don't wait on these.

5/24/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

Great fruit like a higher priced Zin. Got for $9 with case discount. Got enough to consume over next couple of months and will go back for more if they continue to hold up.

5/24/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

Bought for $5/bt probably due to bottle age. Not sure how much this sold for regular price but I would have been happy with this wine at $10-12. Not much structure left but still good Went back to get 6 more along with 6 more 2010 valley of the moon Zins from Lucas for $9 after case discount. Great case of everyday drinkers for $87 after taxes.

5/8/2016 - bzukaitis wrote:

Sorry to see those gone.

6/26/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Slightly acidic as if the fruit is winding down. Interested to see what this will be like on night two. Or maybe it's me that's becoming acidic.

5/31/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Not quite as powerful as I would expect from a WA wine from this producer. Does not look like this will improve either.

5/28/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Outstanding

5/28/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Outstanding well aged oak knoll cab.

4/24/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Agree with the 89. This is drinking very well. Powerful and smooth.

3/14/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Better than remembered. Maybe drank the others too early.

2/20/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Delicious

2/14/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Sorry to piss anyone off, but is there anything wrong with talking about how good the grape flavor is? That is what this wine represents. Intense, concentrated grape. I know it's sexier to say, " tobacco with leather touched with boysenberry and eucalyptus," but is there anything wrong with grape? That is what we are drinking, correct? Are there other flavor and aromas? Yes. But why ignore the initial flavor profile. This is great wine, period. Everyone else can tell you what other aspects to expect. Good wine should be inherent. I am starting to think reviews are brainwashing of original thought. "This is what your wine tastes like. You don't recognize that? You don't deserve to drink this wine." Fuck you if you feel someone that doesn't know as much about wine as you. Don't have them drink your $200 bottles, but don't limit them to what they buy and drink. Hopefully, they will like what you offer and get more integrated. If not, no one stole you birthday if they did not appreciate your wine the "correct" way. Maybe it will start their journey in their own direction. Share your wine. Don't judge others tasting or their opinions. Offer information and suggestions. Don't be the person outside the abortion clinic.

2/8/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Drank following an 06 pepper bridge cab as a second bottle. Just hard to assess after Such a great wine.

1/20/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Another good WA Cab. Love Wa wines. Agree this needs more time, but not surprising for 2012.

1/16/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Should have opened an hour prior to drinking. Was amazing as we finished the bottle.

1/15/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

If yours was flawed or not good, you did something wrong or they were not held properly where you purchased. I have 6 straight from the vineyard and these are still outstanding. 5th of 6 bottle of case split with my brother. Thanks Pops. Sorry if yours were less than outstanding.

1/12/2015 - bzukaitis wrote:

Almost has more of a Napa Cab then Sonoma blend feel/taste. Had trouble holding off this long but rewarded with a beautiful mature wine. Agree this would probably be best in the next 2-3 years but could drink well for another 5 years. Will probably split the difference. See you in 2019.

From winery:
Two lots of Cabernet Sauvignon: half Martini selection vines planted 1976, half clone 337 vines planted 1999 One lot Petit Verdot clone 1, planted 1999. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon 8% Petit Verdot. Intense aromas of black currant and cassis laced with notes of black spice and ground coffee. On the palate, succulent flavors of blackberry and black currant are enveloped by a supple, ripe tannin structure that gives the wine an elegant, medium-weight body. Black fruit, dark cocoa, roasted coffee and spice notes gain intensity and linger through the long finish. Optimal cellaring time four to fifteen years from vintage.

12/28/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Looks like I came in right in between projected drinking range for last bottle. Drinking as well as it probably will.

12/24/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Another bad Novy cork. Had this same issue with a couple of '05 Syrahs. Thankfully, no issues with any of the wine. Always a great purchase for $17-30 depending on the vintage and vineyard.

11/29/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Coming into its own.

11/29/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Everyone seemed to enjoy with Thanksgiving.

11/20/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

5th of 6 bottles purchased in 2010. I set 2014 as end of prime drinking window, and that is probably pretty close to peak drinking now. Maybe just biased, but I have not found the same refinement on the '08-'12 as '01-'07 cabs. Maybe due to the need to age, but it seems like everything recently is overrated. I would love to have the confidence to buy newer vintages and say they will taste this good in 10 years.

11/9/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Outstanding on 40th B-day. Was really a beer tasting with a lot of hoppy IPA's and full flavored, assorted beers, but this was a welcomed break. Everything a full flavored, high octane Zin (blend) should be. 1.5 L was still drinking very well and could go for several more years. I always like to get there before.... well, while its still on the upswing. Fruity, rich and opulent. I have not done many Orin Swift/Phiney wines recently. Have '09 Machete and Saldo, and '08 Prisoner left. Hopefully the newer vintages maintain the integrity of what made the Prisoner such a classic for the 2000's.

10/31/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Perfect drinking. Don't wait too long on this.

10/8/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Good. Not great. For $17, outstanding. "06 Bousheys were better.

10/3/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

I compare every Zin to Biale Black Chicken, so that is a tough standard to meet. Not as robust but very good dark fruits, earthy. Slightly boozy for 14.8. Smooth, slightly thin. Bought 7 off wine access for $17 bt with a $50 survey credit. Very good for the price.

9/13/2014 - bzukaitis Likes this wine:

Could have waited on this but absolutely delicious.

7/28/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Tired and thin. Feels like there used to be something there. Got the 06-09 vertical off WineShopper. Hoping the rest are better.

7/13/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Nice, crisp Chard. Apple, more acid than I prefer. I guess I am one of those weird butter/oak/vanilla fans. Gets better as it warms up. I just don't like my Chardonnay to taste like a Sauvignon Blanc.

7/5/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Disagree with previous reviews. Caymus? Probably not. At least what would be put under the Caymus label, but this is tasty. Ready to drink with several years left. Great dark fruit with hints of oak and vanilla. Wish I would have bought case for $17/bt. Treasure Hunters continue to delivery great quality for the price. This is the new age of wine sales. What isn't good enough for estate wines is going to be sold off. Doesn't make it bad juice. Just don't expect a $90 bottle for $20. That would be foolish.

7/4/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Another bad cork. Another great bottle.

6/13/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

At Il Centro with Spedini, Seafood ravioli, Lamb Chops, and Tortellini.

5/31/2014 - bzukaitis wrote:

Beautifully drinking '07 Napa Cab. Running low on '07's. Actually have more heavy hitting '05 and '06 left, which I am not complaining about. Could have waited on this one, but would not wait too long. Maybe 6-18 months. I can picture those not big on oak not liking as much. Keeps getting better the longer its open.