August 6, 2023 - Credit for hanging in there but would have been much better a few years ago with more fruit. Subdued notes of red fruit. I probably wouldn’t have called Zinfandel blind.
March 16, 2019 - Double decanted off its sediment and brought along to m/m tlv's. Cherry, red currant, white pepper and plum. Still has some nice fruit at eleven years old, and pairs nicely with dinner.
May 27, 2018 - 40th Annual Zinfandel Retrospective - the 2013s (R&Ds): Double decanted off its sediment and tasted with the other '08s about an hour later. Holding up nicely, showing red berry and pepper aromas. Medium-bodied with flavors of red fruit, pepper and spice. Mature, and in a nice spot...will drink the last two within the coming months. 89-90 pts.
July 19, 2014 - Liked it but not blown away. Was only bottle of it and glad I drank it now rather than waiting much longer.
July 18, 2014 - A little light on opening but body builds with some air until it plateaus at medium body. Good table wine, better than the jug variety, but none of the spice and body I look for in a zin. Meh!
June 25, 2014 - pleasant and balanced drinking experience. Not big and bright like cheaper Zins. But also not at rich as examples like Seghesio old vine or Ridge Geyserville. We debated whether this was all Zin or a blend. It didn't have the structure or life of a blend but was also not a aromatic as a 100% zin - no one was interested enough to look up the details. Not bad for the price, and definitely a elegant style of winemaking for California.
February 1, 2014 - Medium bodied, ripe cherry with elegance. Not as jammy as many Zins pleasant and drinkable. Might be just past it's prime, glad this is my last bottle.
January 17, 2014 - Wine overall is pleasant, but there is a very slight undertone of funk on the nose and palate that detracts from fully enjoying this wine. Given the bottle variations, we are not unhappy this is our last bottle of this vintage.
December 26, 2013 - mine too showing age with bricking, not at all the pleasureable wine I enjoyed at winery when this bottle was purchased.
November 22, 2013 - Compared ’07 vs ’08 – ’07 shows a degree of bricken compared to the brightness of the ’08. Nose on the ’07 is more subdued giving off more heat than anything while the ’08 exhibits brambly fruit, savory spice and smoked meat. ’07 palate is as subdued as the nose with minimal fruit and spice with more fruit showing on a lingering finish. Nothing unpleasant on the ’07 it’s smooth, drinks well simply no depth. The ’08, on the other hand, tastes of pleasantly tart red currant berries and baking spice leading to a grippy food complementary finish. The ’08 is not as smooth but more interesting and fun to drink with greater depth in nose and palate. ’07 drink up! ’08 drink over the next 2 or 3 years.