A little rough tasting to me. It did not have the deep dark fruitiness that I usually see from good Zins. I probably waited too long and this wine is probably past its prime at this point.
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A warm climate California zin from the get go. Nose gives it away with jamminess of black cherry and cooked plums and very prune like aromas that just mask any secondary and tertiary notes that this might offer up. However vanilla and cedar coax through the layering of dried fruits. Taste follows the same order. Fortunately the sweetness masks the high alcoholic burn. It is a complex wine with a decent length. However a bit too sweet for me.
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(Feb, 2022) While still a pretty sweet wine, I think the fruit aspects of the jam have mellowed with a bit of age. Very drinkable, and went well with a baked potato with Spanish chorizo & cheese.
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As far as CA Zin goes...this is a solid representation. Deep purple color; Beautiful nose of ripe dark fruit with a secondary note of cinnamon and spice; concentrated blackberry fruit and vanilla on the palate followed by peppery notes. Silky smooth, fruit forward, new world, that makes for an easy drinker on it's own...but would be absolutely perfect with some BBQ!
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Great wine. Had with family on summer vacation, and was very highly sought after. Needless to say, bottle disappeared in span of less than 30 minutes. Very approachable, with black fruit, and very few tannins. Great acidity for food, and ALL drinkers appreciated VERY MUCH!! A 40th Anniversary gift, that was very much appreciated and highly recommended.
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Ruby color, slightly translucent, no amber edge. Very viscous. Sweet cherry and raspberry aromas. Soft and round on the palate, medium body, but too sweet for a table wine. Nice long aftertaste. We drink these with cheese after a meal, not as an accompaniment to a meal. If consumed that way, very nice. If I'm looking for a true zin with briar fruit and classic zin character, this would not be my choice. Ric
A delicious and very well produced $30 zinfandel. This wine could be one of the best zinfandels on the market (rivaling many of the lower priced Turley's, All that said ....). this wine is also upfront and viscous.
Rich berries of blueberry, compote, fig, and sweet plum. This is also quite creamy. At the mid palette the creaminess is overwhelming as it dominates the acidity. That is good for now and a reason not to age these wines. Drink now !
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Remains one of our House Reds for the fourth vintage and a "go-to" wine for us. A big CA Zin that delivers a mouthful of flavor, something we need at our ages. When we have a wine that disappoints, our first reaction is Rombauer Zin because we are sure to love it.
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This is a nice well made Zin but too fruit forward and sweet to my palate. Blackberry jam, vanilla, and sweet baking spices. Smooth and the 15.9 abv not noticeable.
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Heavily scented with ripe and jammy notes of strawberry and blueberry with notes of cassis and Kirsch that meet notes of herbs, menthol, vanilla and milk chocolate. The palate shows both the high ABV and the residual sugar. Sweet, moderate tannins and moderate acidity play with the weighted density. Fruit penetrates all the way to the back of the palate. Dense and rich flavors show strawberry and blueberry compote, cassis, Kirshwasser, sage and herbs, floral pastilles and hints of spice, vanilla and menthol. The hedonistic finish lingers with a kiss of sweetness.
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Color: Deep Purple Nose: Blackberry with a Smoke and Oaky finish Taste: Super Juicy upfront with ripe fruits of Blackberry and Black Cherry and Plum; the Middle and End were polished with Dark Chocolate, Slight Smoke, and Well-Rounded Oak notes Comp’s: Great on its own or Great for Summer BBQ’s; similar to Juicy and Plush Napa Cabs in the $25-40 Range; Very Light Heat on the finish makes this very drinkable right now
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Not my typical Zin stylistically speaking, but pretty classic and less overwrought than expected. Swedish berry candy, blueberry and cream, black raspberry, sweet tobacco, big time vanilla extract on the nose but this is better integrated on the palate. Silky smooth with plush tannins. A little black tea? High on the pleasure factor, and better balanced than that ABV has any right to be.
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Very interesting Zinfandel. We opened and let it breathe for about 25 mins. You will smell vanilla extract as soon as you put your nose into the glass. The wine itself is very fruit forward and jammy. Unlike most zins, the tannis are low and short lasting but it still drinks well. We did decant it and it the jammy tamed down a bit which made this wine a bit more balanced.
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We drained 25 bottles at our annual Cellar Reduction party. 4 bottles were the 2016 Rombauer and they went really quick - especially among the Ladies. The RS in these wines is not to my taste but I get why it’s such a popular wine - an easy drinker with a pedigree that doesn’t require much to enjoy other than a sweet tooth.
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Very fruit forward and jammy, but if you enjoy that style which I do, then it is delicious. This will not be to everyone's tastes though, I think it will be one of those you love it or hate it type of wines.
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This is an alcohol and fruit bomb right now, so at first it seems there is not much to it. The acidity, chocolate, and black pepper are there, though, and those flavors linger on the long finish. Good structure. Will be a solid 93-94 point wine in another year or two.
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Dark and thick, just on the edge of too sweet. An in-your-face bomb of fruit and chocolate, but with that intense zippy, briary, peppery zinny midpalate and long finish to bring some balance. As noted by other CT reviewers, a well-made example of the over-the-top-style, and likely to be a crowd pleaser at a barbecue. My red-wine-phobic wife absolutely loved it, as did I, but I suspect that lovers of the "claret style" will find this undrinkable.
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This was insane - so much candy and jam. I see why people love this. Just understand that this is in your face big jammy fruit; once you get past that you can start to appreciate this wine for what it is. I think this is worth a try but just know what you're getting yourself into before buying.
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On the nose-Big dark fruits, blackberries, blueberries, dark chocolate, dark cherries, brambly notes, big alcohol notes, jammy berry notes
On the plate- Big dark fruits and blackerries, candied blueberries, dark chocolate, dark cherries, brambly notes and a bit of big alcohol on the finish with a bit of jammy berry notes as well, this wine is drinking well now and I dont think would do well with much aging, I dig this style at times and I see why people love it, and Rombauer hit it out of the park with this style, works well by itself but could use a big steak as well
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From a shop in San Diego. Pop and pour. Rich deep red colour. Ripe nose, which carries through to the palate. Jammy fruit, lots of apparent sweetness. Alcohol at 15.9% doesn’t surprise. Nice casual drinking but I can’t see this as a long term proposition and I question the value.
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We drink wines from all over the world, and Zinfandel is our favorite. We are willing to spend more for a good wine. This is such an amazing wine, and the price point on this is great. Yes, wine is different for everyone, but if you like wine with a lot of character and is big and bold, this will not disappoint! Well done Rombauer! Members for life!
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Zinfandels (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 94% Zin & 6% Petite Sirah "...from select vineyards in top growing regions: El Dorado (60%), Sierra Foothills (23%), Lake (14%), & Napa (3%) counties.;" Harvested 9/1-27/16, 27.7 ave Brix @ harvest; 14 mos in AM (10% new) & FR oak; Released April 2018.
N: Closed, but SEEMS ripe/jammy
P: MF body; RNDISH entry with SWTISH frt (def threshold R.S.) offset by a BIT of puckerish astringency which transitions into a LONG finish with a tangy/sweetness to the very, VERY fine tannins & HINTS of a quasi-bitter flatness. For now & through '20. 15.9% ABV; My VG, poss VG+. [This vendor's $25.95 is $3 < the next lowest on wine-searcher's LARGE listing!]
Addendum: Double Gold & "Reserve Class Champion" from the '19 Rodeo Uncorked! Int'l Competition @ $35.
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Zin for the Win (San Diego Wine Co.): 94% Zin & 6% Petite Sirah "...from select vineyards in top growing regions: El Dorado (60%), Sierra Foothills (23%), Lake (14%), & Napa (3%) counties.;" Harvested 9/1-27/16, 27.7 ave Brix @ harvest; 14 mos in AM (10% new) & FR oak; Released April 2018.
P: Med body; RNDISH entry with SWTISH frt (definite R.S.) counterbalanced by an astringency (but without squashing the swtness) which morphs into a LONG, very, VERY slightly bitter finish with a tangy/swtness (45:55) & notes of spice to the very, VERY fine tannins. Decently done, but not my style nor idea of QPR even though this vendor's $28.99 is as good as ANY on wine-searcher's LARGE listing. 15.9% ABV; My VG/VG+ for its success in achieving its apparent objectives. Assuming you're a fan of the style, enjoy this threshold swt Zin now & poss through '20.
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Nose is nice. Lightly sweet. Black pepper and sage. Touch high on the alcohol. Texture is a little syrupy. A big and tasty, fruit forward wine. Blue fruit and blackberries. Also some notes of chocolate. Quite lip-smacking on the finish. Pleasurable. Length of finish beats expectations.
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P: Med body; RNDISH entry with ALMOST swtish frt (almost certainly threshold R.S.) nicely counterbalanced by acidity & somewhat masking the very, VERY fine tannins which slowly, fairly seamlessly transfer into a LONG, balanced finish with a distinct spiciness & a tangy/SWTNESS to the glimpses of very, VERY fine tannins. For now & into '20? Much as I personally dislike this STYLE, I have to concede it as being well made for what they were trying to do: my VG/VG+, poss more. [This vendor's $25.95 is $4 < than the next lowest on wine-searcher's soon to be burgeoning listing, though as I wrote re the '15, it still strikes me as poor QPR when compared to numerous other Zins in the <$20 category.]
Tasted blindly, I had this pegged as the AU Shiraz which was SOMEWHERE in the flight.
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12/3/2023 - DMP925 Does not like this wine:
A little rough tasting to me. It did not have the deep dark fruitiness that I usually see from good Zins. I probably waited too long and this wine is probably past its prime at this point.
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9/5/2023 - Kramer49 Likes this wine:
Sweet Jam. Cedar. Pop n pour. Very drinkable.
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3/18/2023 - cheetadad wrote: 86 Points
A warm climate California zin from the get go. Nose gives it away with jamminess of black cherry and cooked plums and very prune like aromas that just mask any secondary and tertiary notes that this might offer up. However vanilla and cedar coax through the layering of dried fruits. Taste follows the same order. Fortunately the sweetness masks the high alcoholic burn. It is a complex wine with a decent length. However a bit too sweet for me.
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2/10/2022 - Janthkin wrote:
(Feb, 2022) While still a pretty sweet wine, I think the fruit aspects of the jam have mellowed with a bit of age. Very drinkable, and went well with a baked potato with Spanish chorizo & cheese.
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10/24/2021 - mjgkng Likes this wine: 91 Points
Well balanced with hints of cherry and vanilla. Smooth and delightful.
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7/7/2021 - 716_cellar Likes this wine: 92 Points
As far as CA Zin goes...this is a solid representation. Deep purple color; Beautiful nose of ripe dark fruit with a secondary note of cinnamon and spice; concentrated blackberry fruit and vanilla on the palate followed by peppery notes. Silky smooth, fruit forward, new world, that makes for an easy drinker on it's own...but would be absolutely perfect with some BBQ!
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6/28/2021 - Manthreejack Likes this wine: 94 Points
Great wine. Had with family on summer vacation, and was very highly sought after. Needless to say, bottle disappeared in span of less than 30 minutes. Very approachable, with black fruit, and very few tannins. Great acidity for food, and ALL drinkers appreciated VERY MUCH!! A 40th Anniversary gift, that was very much appreciated and highly recommended.
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2/9/2021 - Ex-Ray Likes this wine: 90 Points
Ruby color, slightly translucent, no amber edge. Very viscous. Sweet cherry and raspberry aromas. Soft and round on the palate, medium body, but too sweet for a table wine. Nice long aftertaste. We drink these with cheese after a meal, not as an accompaniment to a meal. If consumed that way, very nice. If I'm looking for a true zin with briar fruit and classic zin character, this would not be my choice.
Ric
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12/25/2020 - HandasydeCellars Likes this wine: 88 Points
So juicy upon opening as to be actually sweet. Dissipated within 10-15 minutes and then very enjoyable. Classic big juicy.
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12/16/2020 - hmannoe wrote: 90 Points
Fruit and sugar bomb. Enjoyable but balance is lacking as it is overwhelmingly sweet with dense compote and preserved fruit. Drink now.
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11/17/2020 - Ex-Ray Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very nice, but not like the Turleys. Some sweetness but not as much as earlier bottles. Would not buy more.
Ric
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10/2/2020 - JSolo Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very good. Better than I expected.
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8/16/2020 - tomoem Likes this wine: 92 Points
A delicious and very well produced $30 zinfandel. This wine could be one of the best zinfandels on the market (rivaling many of the lower priced Turley's, All that said ....). this wine is also upfront and viscous.
Rich berries of blueberry, compote, fig, and sweet plum. This is also quite creamy. At the mid palette the creaminess is overwhelming as it dominates the acidity. That is good for now and a reason not to age these wines. Drink now !
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5/12/2020 - Wstinson9 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Big, rich and jammy Zin. At first, an explosion of flavors and then a smooth finish. Paired with grilled NY Strip and it made for an excellent meal.
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5/3/2020 - ADiamond Likes this wine: 91 Points
Spice and underlying peppery note, with nice fruitness. Beautiful lush wine
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4/9/2020 - whinemeister Likes this wine: 90 Points
See my previous note - must've have had an iffy bottle - this one was great....big, jammy, delish.
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1/21/2020 - garygailkrivan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very Fruit forward but was good. Tannins were supple, Blackberry and Vanilla on the pallet.
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1/19/2020 - mjgkng wrote: 88 Points
Heavy taste and too sweet.
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1/9/2020 - pkatz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Big rich zin that manages to keep varietal character unlike the big blends.
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1/5/2020 - mjgkng Likes this wine: 89 Points
Heavy alcohol 15.9%. Heavy fruit.
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12/8/2019 - buymoreredsdrinkmorewhites wrote:
15.9 abv fruit bomb with vanilla notes. A little thick and syrup like quality. Well made but prefer others.
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11/27/2019 - seijaro Likes this wine: 93 Points
Remains one of our House Reds for the fourth vintage and a "go-to" wine for us. A big CA Zin that delivers a mouthful of flavor, something we need at our ages. When we have a wine that disappoints, our first reaction is Rombauer Zin because we are sure to love it.
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10/27/2019 - tedcholl Likes this wine: 89 Points
This is a nice well made Zin but too fruit forward and sweet to my palate. Blackberry jam, vanilla, and sweet baking spices. Smooth and the 15.9 abv not noticeable.
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9/26/2019 - mjgkng wrote: 88 Points
Smooth but a bit too jammie for me.
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8/29/2019 - whinemeister Likes this wine: 88 Points
Not bad but nothing like the Rombauer Zin of yore. Spend the extra few dollars and buy the Rombauer El Dorado Zin......yum.
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8/3/2019 - Eric Van Likes this wine: 95 Points
My baby says it has “ a note of vanilla and carmel with a buttery finish”. She likes it!
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7/22/2019 - Eric Van Likes this wine: 93 Points
Enjoyed with Tom and Lady Di on their way to Tiajuana.
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7/7/2019 - bjamesclark wrote: 90 Points
Heavily scented with ripe and jammy notes of strawberry and blueberry with notes of cassis and Kirsch that meet notes of herbs, menthol, vanilla and milk chocolate.
The palate shows both the high ABV and the residual sugar. Sweet, moderate tannins and moderate acidity play with the weighted density. Fruit penetrates all the way to the back of the palate. Dense and rich flavors show strawberry and blueberry compote, cassis, Kirshwasser, sage and herbs, floral pastilles and hints of spice, vanilla and menthol. The hedonistic finish lingers with a kiss of sweetness.
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7/4/2019 - kvd2 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Color: Deep Purple
Nose: Blackberry with a Smoke and Oaky finish
Taste: Super Juicy upfront with ripe fruits of Blackberry and Black Cherry and Plum; the Middle and End were polished with Dark Chocolate, Slight Smoke, and Well-Rounded Oak notes
Comp’s: Great on its own or Great for Summer BBQ’s; similar to Juicy and Plush Napa Cabs in the $25-40 Range; Very Light Heat on the finish makes this very drinkable right now
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5/31/2019 - Cabernetdialectic Likes this wine: 89 Points
Not my typical Zin stylistically speaking, but pretty classic and less overwrought than expected. Swedish berry candy, blueberry and cream, black raspberry, sweet tobacco, big time vanilla extract on the nose but this is better integrated on the palate. Silky smooth with plush tannins. A little black tea? High on the pleasure factor, and better balanced than that ABV has any right to be.
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5/27/2019 - BobMilton Likes this wine: 92 Points
Usual note - fruit forward, rich, full bodied, somewhat jammy.
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5/24/2019 - ACFarias wrote: 89 Points
Very interesting Zinfandel. We opened and let it breathe for about 25 mins. You will smell vanilla extract as soon as you put your nose into the glass. The wine itself is very fruit forward and jammy. Unlike most zins, the tannis are low and short lasting but it still drinks well. We did decant it and it the jammy tamed down a bit which made this wine a bit more balanced.
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5/18/2019 - tedcholl wrote: 88 Points
Jammy and Oaky. vibrant black raspberry, black plum, and oak.
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5/14/2019 - StraightnoChaser wrote:
We drained 25 bottles at our annual Cellar Reduction party. 4 bottles were the 2016 Rombauer and they went really quick - especially among the Ladies. The RS in these wines is not to my taste but I get why it’s such a popular wine - an easy drinker with a pedigree that doesn’t require much to enjoy other than a sweet tooth.
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5/11/2019 - baprince15 wrote: 91 Points
Really nice, fruit forward with some “pop” of alcohol and spice. Nice wine
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5/8/2019 - ksowders Likes this wine: 90 Points
Classically zinfindel. Jammy, grapey fruit. Some spice. Nice tannins.
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4/26/2019 - Gruffalius wrote: 92 Points
Kind of sweet. Big and fruity. Tasty. Integrates a bit by day 2. Lovely zin.
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4/20/2019 - Croatbag Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very fruit forward and jammy, but if you enjoy that style which I do, then it is delicious. This will not be to everyone's tastes though, I think it will be one of those you love it or hate it type of wines.
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4/14/2019 - Jwmumm Likes this wine: 93 Points
Goodness. Another 93. Still the best zin out there (our humble opinions). All the Rombauer zins are so dang good.
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3/7/2019 - mjgkng Likes this wine: 92 Points
Cherry and blackberry. Lovely and smooth.
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2/20/2019 - chrischap01 Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is an alcohol and fruit bomb right now, so at first it seems there is not much to it. The acidity, chocolate, and black pepper are there, though, and those flavors linger on the long finish. Good structure. Will be a solid 93-94 point wine in another year or two.
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2/19/2019 - cruzio32 Likes this wine: 93 Points
sweet. give it a few more years to mellow out a bit
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2/13/2019 - BobMilton Likes this wine: 93 Points
Typical Rombauer - big, fruit forward, jammy and utterly satisfying if you like the style.
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12/27/2018 - mdennison wrote: 90 Points
Fruit bomb, but quite delicious.
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12/1/2018 - wahoo70 wrote: 91 Points
Dark and thick, just on the edge of too sweet. An in-your-face bomb of fruit and chocolate, but with that intense zippy, briary, peppery zinny midpalate and long finish to bring some balance. As noted by other CT reviewers, a well-made example of the over-the-top-style, and likely to be a crowd pleaser at a barbecue. My red-wine-phobic wife absolutely loved it, as did I, but I suspect that lovers of the "claret style" will find this undrinkable.
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11/18/2018 - Jwmumm Likes this wine: 93 Points
So dang good!
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11/15/2018 - Hannahgirl wrote: 85 Points
Too sweet. Hard to drink!
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10/21/2018 - Stonger the Better Likes this wine: 90 Points
Fruit bomb!!!! Had with lamb and beef chili. Heavy, chewy, jammy and just right for the meal.
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10/16/2018 - danielphall26@gmail Likes this wine: 89 Points
This was insane - so much candy and jam. I see why people love this. Just understand that this is in your face big jammy fruit; once you get past that you can start to appreciate this wine for what it is. I think this is worth a try but just know what you're getting yourself into before buying.
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9/29/2018 - WineGeek1989 Likes this wine: 90 Points
On the nose-Big dark fruits, blackberries, blueberries, dark chocolate, dark cherries, brambly notes, big alcohol notes, jammy berry notes
On the plate- Big dark fruits and blackerries, candied blueberries, dark chocolate, dark cherries, brambly notes and a bit of big alcohol on the finish with a bit of jammy berry notes as well, this wine is drinking well now and I dont think would do well with much aging, I dig this style at times and I see why people love it, and Rombauer hit it out of the park with this style, works well by itself but could use a big steak as well
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9/8/2018 - sjw_11 wrote: 86 Points
From a shop in San Diego. Pop and pour. Rich deep red colour. Ripe nose, which carries through to the palate. Jammy fruit, lots of apparent sweetness. Alcohol at 15.9% doesn’t surprise. Nice casual drinking but I can’t see this as a long term proposition and I question the value.
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8/26/2018 - Jwmumm Likes this wine: 93 Points
We drink wines from all over the world, and Zinfandel is our favorite. We are willing to spend more for a good wine. This is such an amazing wine, and the price point on this is great. Yes, wine is different for everyone, but if you like wine with a lot of character and is big and bold, this will not disappoint! Well done Rombauer! Members for life!
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8/25/2018 - srh Likes this wine:
Zinfandels (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 94% Zin & 6% Petite Sirah "...from select vineyards in top growing regions: El Dorado (60%), Sierra Foothills (23%), Lake (14%), & Napa (3%) counties.;" Harvested 9/1-27/16, 27.7 ave Brix @ harvest; 14 mos in AM (10% new) & FR oak; Released April 2018.
N: Closed, but SEEMS ripe/jammy
P: MF body; RNDISH entry with SWTISH frt (def threshold R.S.) offset by a BIT of puckerish astringency which transitions into a LONG finish with a tangy/sweetness to the very, VERY fine tannins & HINTS of a quasi-bitter flatness. For now & through '20. 15.9% ABV; My VG, poss VG+. [This vendor's $25.95 is $3 < the next lowest on wine-searcher's LARGE listing!]
Addendum: Double Gold & "Reserve Class Champion" from the '19 Rodeo Uncorked! Int'l Competition @ $35.
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8/25/2018 - Ichristini Likes this wine:
Beat of the red we had, but not what I look for in a zinfandel. Still very good
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8/11/2018 - srh Likes this wine:
Zin for the Win (San Diego Wine Co.): 94% Zin & 6% Petite Sirah "...from select vineyards in top growing regions: El Dorado (60%), Sierra Foothills (23%), Lake (14%), & Napa (3%) counties.;" Harvested 9/1-27/16, 27.7 ave Brix @ harvest; 14 mos in AM (10% new) & FR oak; Released April 2018.
P: Med body; RNDISH entry with SWTISH frt (definite R.S.) counterbalanced by an astringency (but without squashing the swtness) which morphs into a LONG, very, VERY slightly bitter finish with a tangy/swtness (45:55) & notes of spice to the very, VERY fine tannins. Decently done, but not my style nor idea of QPR even though this vendor's $28.99 is as good as ANY on wine-searcher's LARGE listing. 15.9% ABV; My VG/VG+ for its success in achieving its apparent objectives. Assuming you're a fan of the style, enjoy this threshold swt Zin now & poss through '20.
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7/13/2018 - 87tellub Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nose is nice. Lightly sweet. Black pepper and sage. Touch high on the alcohol. Texture is a little syrupy. A big and tasty, fruit forward wine. Blue fruit and blackberries. Also some notes of chocolate. Quite lip-smacking on the finish. Pleasurable. Length of finish beats expectations.
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3/31/2018 - srh Likes this wine:
"Blind" Tasting (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): N: Slightly closed; BRIGHT spice, poss cherries?
P: Med body; RNDISH entry with ALMOST swtish frt (almost certainly threshold R.S.) nicely counterbalanced by acidity & somewhat masking the very, VERY fine tannins which slowly, fairly seamlessly transfer into a LONG, balanced finish with a distinct spiciness & a tangy/SWTNESS to the glimpses of very, VERY fine tannins. For now & into '20? Much as I personally dislike this STYLE, I have to concede it as being well made for what they were trying to do: my VG/VG+, poss more. [This vendor's $25.95 is $4 < than the next lowest on wine-searcher's soon to be burgeoning listing, though as I wrote re the '15, it still strikes me as poor QPR when compared to numerous other Zins in the <$20 category.]
Tasted blindly, I had this pegged as the AU Shiraz which was SOMEWHERE in the flight.
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