March 13, 2023 - Quite a testament to Morgan's winemaking and vineyard sources that this 14-year old "basic" zinfandel is still kicking ass. Brambly and peppery, just like what I like in a zin, with an almost port-like nose. Unctuous, zippy, and a bit hot on the back end, this leaves a pleasant warming sensation in your chest like a good Scotch on a winter evening. Leather, blackberry and pomegranate notes add complexity. Trails off a bit on the back end, but really quite good. Well-stored bottles like this one (purchased at release) should continue to drink well for 5+ years.
May 20, 2020 - No detailed notes. Still plenty of life to this. Extraordinary value.
March 31, 2020 - Medium ruby. On the nose pronounced aromas of black cherries, blueberries, blackberries, toffee, vanilla, and some violets initially. On the palate the wine is dry with medium plus acidity, high alcohol , medium fine grained tannins, full body and pronounced flavors of black cherries, blueberries, blackberries, toffee, vanilla, as well as dried cherries and blueberries. The finish is medium. the wine is good as it demonstrates intensity on both the nose and palate as well as some complexity with primary (black fruits fresh and dried, floral notes), secondary aromas however the wine lacks balance with alcohol burn on the finish and a short finish. Good weeknight wine.
January 16, 2016 - Consumed over 2 nights. Well, this bottle was significantly better than the one I drank 3+ years ago. The goopy extracted fruit is gone. Now it drinks like exactly what it is, an entry-level zinfandel from a decent producer. Nothing terribly exciting, but nothing wrong with it. Primarily fruit-driven with nice ripe red round fruit, enough acidity to keep it balanced. Price-appropriate.
December 12, 2015 - Another exceptional Zinfandel from Bedrock. Layers of jammy fruit covered with spicy bright Zinfandel flavors, perfect with a sausage pizza on a winter Friday night.
November 14, 2015 - Compared nicely vs. a '12 Turley Old Vines at the same 6-person meal. Higher-toned than the T (which we all found to be quite an interesting variance...not sure which was favored among us...just...different), but balanced and just as rewarding; huge florals, and the lengthy impression on the palate was quite nice.
August 6, 2015 - Pop and pour. Nose of black fruit leaps across the room. A little time in the glass still helps this. Rich black fruit mingles with spice with a nice finish.
May 23, 2015 - Goopy...goopy...goopy. Jeez, I haven't had a top-tier wine this out o' wack since Brian Loring's '06 Pinot Noirs! Then it was the season, the harvest, yadda yadda. ..a terrible vintage. But why now? This vintage? A shocker, I tells ya!
So here I am getting the same unctious flavors...no balance, nothing savory, not at all spice-driven, no "brambles" in MY glass fo' so', not showing any acid backbone to offer some balance...sup wid dat???
sez 15% on the label, but I bet it's more 16+++.
There are other "Old Vines" at this price point that are lighter, more nimble, showing the spice and maybe even something like the "T" word, even though I know that's not 'really'possible from all the locales these grapes come from, but "Old Vine" from a serious producer should not be showing this flabby, purple resin.
Think I'll open a '10 to tomorrow (Memorial Day) to see whazzup. Check in over there to see my thoughts...
March 18, 2014 - Nice rich Zinfandel. Lot's of brambly fruit. A little smoky background. Delicious.
November 28, 2013 - Delicious w/ bold red fruit & spice