From the magnum, which unlike the 750ml bottles is 100% Zinfandel and dry (no port "sweeteners"). Savory, with a lot of spice and some pepper, raspberries and cherries, well regulated tannins, tobacco, and a medium to long finish. Enjoyed by everyone, there's plenty of life left in this one.
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Consistent with before, in that while an enjoyable wine, I do prefer the InZin without the port blended in. I keep wanting to have this with a meal, but it's just a little too sweet to pair with most meals.
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Still has the very strong port note. We've drunk my last two bottles by themselves because this just just never felt like an easy wine to match with food (except, as I mentioned previously, Easter candy. :-)
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A nice tasting wine, but I certainly prefer the versions without the port. It is very noticeable in the wine, and offers a rather sweet aftertaste. A bit much for the kielbasa dinner I had it with.
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Still feeling like the sweet is dominating, but it doesn't seem to bother me as much tonight. Must be in a better mood. :-) Went well with the last of the Easter candy ... for some reason, seemed to work better with milk chocolate (and, surprisingly, peanut butter, i.e., Reese's Cups) than with dark chocolate.
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Drank slightly chilled, aerated. Dark ruby color, lighter around the edges, no legs to speak of. Nose of figs/prunes/raisins, bramble, hints of tart raspberry and strawberry - slightly herbaceous. A little hot with raisins and a touch of anise on the entry, sweet jammy fig-newton mid-palate, some hotness returns on the medium finish with moderately chewy tannins. Some crystallized sediment in the bottle. Paired well with dark chocolate & colby-cheddar. As previously noted this is not a typical Zin. No pepper at all. It's a big, hot, semi-sweet, fruity raisin Zin. Definitely sweeter than the '07. The Syrah/Port components drastically affect the flavor profile, creating a unique wine that is not for everyone but just happens to be right up my alley.
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Nice after dinner wine. Sweet, but not too sweet. Good Zin character. Port is clearly present. While I prefer the Inzin without the Forte, everyone enjoyed this and it sent fast.
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Not aging well, in my opinion. As others have noted, it is dominated by (Concord grape-like) sweetness and prune. Yuck. I'll use my last 2 bottle for cooking.
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Way too sweet for me. sweet prunes followed by sweeter prunes. some sediment (crystalization). Almost a port. Have had both the '06 and '07 and definitely prefer the '07.
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Dark, opaque ruby red with brownish rim. Cough syrup on the nose, and some celery, rhubarb, radish and alcohol. Not very serviceable. Some cherry-cola flavors, quite disjointed and undeserving of the name zinfandel.
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I've decided this wine is too sweet for me. I thought I liked it but a few bottles into it and now I'm sure I don't. The sweet is simply too much for me. I have found this makes a great wine to slow cook a pot roast in and that's how this bottle was used.
The wine looks Purple colored. The legs are Medium. It smells like Strawberry, and Blueberry. It tastes like and Grape-Strawberry Jam. The body is Medium.
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Purple with red reflections. Nose of leather, figs, raisins, and stewed prunes. Sweet cherries, vanilla, smoke, medium bodied, no tartness, woody but nearly undetectable tannins, and a medium, sticky sweet finish. Well made, but not my style.
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This wine is all about figs on the nose, but also an alcoholic and sweet nose. Enters sweet on the palate, right off the bat. To be honest, I opened this bottle for cooking, and now I'm only drinking what's left. To me, it is overwhelmingly sweet.
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This wine had a very strong berry smell upon opening (raspberry with a touch of blueberry). First taste was actually pretty smooth for a Zin. I wouldn't call this a fruit bomb, not that I'm sophisticated enough to know what a fruit bomb is. I just know it's not as "big" tasting as some of the other Zin's I have tasted...and I really do love Zinfandel's. Get it if you have a chance...
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Not much of a nose to speak of. Smells like it tastes, plus a little heat. On the palate, plenty of raisins and some dates, but also this sweetness that is annoying and borderline artificial. Also a little strawberry liquor on the finish. Almost a dessert wine. Basically full bodied. Not much of a structure. I liked the '04 of this wine so much more. Wifey liked it more than I did, and the lable is always neat, so that's an extra three points for all that (substract that to get the real score).
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I find it hard to know what to do with this wine; a Zin, as it's branded, I'd score this quite a bit lower -- I find it very off-putting with that preconception in mind. HOWEVER :) Knowing the pedigree of the wine, with the sweet port grape blend, and understanding this is designed to be its own beast... Chocolate, raspberries and port come through for me pretty clearly. Nose lets you know it's not dry, but is not headache-inducing. Frankly, I have to wonder how this would fare with a little more port grapes and then some brandy.... oh wait, that's called Port.
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Almost overwhelmingly fruity and sweet, so I wouldn't do this again with a hearty dinner. However, for a pure drinking wine or an after dinner wine, it's perfect. And you can't beat the price!
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Enjoyable sweeter wine, you can taste the port in it. A smooth drinker that went well with steak strips and was good even after dinner was over. A good zin representation.
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Not for the faint of heart, this is way over the top. I'd suggest drinking it more like a dessert wine after a heavy meal. I picture it rounding up things nicely. Or maybe with a cigar. In general, the port comes through so heavily that the wine ends up tasting very sweet, IMHO too sweet to effectively go with a meal, but I don't think that it's the point of the wine. It seems purposefully over the top, and delightfully so. I'd love it as a conversation piece
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I really drank 6 bottles without posting notes? Wow. Very good QPR. Blended with 3% port-style Forte gives quite a sweet taste (NOT your typical zin. This one stands alone.) This seems more chocolatey than the '04, more nuttiness too, like roasted almonds. Great introduction to those who say they don't like reds.
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Dark fruit on the nose with a hint of cinnamon. Flavor is slightly less fruity; still some alcohol heat; and cinnamon appears in taste, too. A bit earthier and tarter than I recall the 2004 being. Still, it is a good drinker.
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The light nose betrays a bing cherry fruit atomic explosion. Very juicy, a bit of jam, seriously holds up to food, this is wine with some serious character. It is atypical in its sweetness (can taste a touch of port), which is usually a big problem for me. However, it had many redeeming qualities and demanded a good rating. Very interesting and unique. Can see how some people will really not like this though.
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Very good zin if you like port. Even with the small percentage added, it really comes through in the finish. Very smooth drinking zin with a sweet finish that resembles a dessert wine (but not as sweet). Had to try it with some chocolate and was not disappointed. Drink by itself or with a nice cigar, chocolate or fruity dessert. One you should try. very unique. resembles a cinsault port with less sweetness.
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90+. One of the best low-end zins I've had. Very new-world style, but not over the top. Black raz/boysenberry standing out among other bramble aggregate fruits, a hint of oak but not vanilla candy or char.
Scott Harvey does it again. Kudos.
This is a GREAT gift wine as well for people who are not yet into wine. This could be their gateway drug.
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This is sweet, and I mean that in the literal sense. Name a red fruit, and its in here. Strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and oak too. Smooth, easy drinking, tongue-coating, soft tannins, and working well with the pizza. While I can smell the alcohol, I don't taste it. I do feel it though - in my chest - long after swallowing. Now that's a long finish.
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wow! I found this amazing to drink, no heat or tannins to overwhelm you. Possibly one of the best bottles I've ever had for a simple Zin. Very smooth and fruity taste. Will probably order more right now. Drinking very well.
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11/15/2014 - merryberry wrote: 88 Points
From the magnum, which unlike the 750ml bottles is 100% Zinfandel and dry (no port "sweeteners"). Savory, with a lot of spice and some pepper, raspberries and cherries, well regulated tannins, tobacco, and a medium to long finish. Enjoyed by everyone, there's plenty of life left in this one.
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8/3/2013 - HitAnyKey wrote: 86 Points
Consistent with before, in that while an enjoyable wine, I do prefer the InZin without the port blended in. I keep wanting to have this with a meal, but it's just a little too sweet to pair with most meals.
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2/21/2013 - foobarski Likes this wine: 88 Points
Still has the very strong port note. We've drunk my last two bottles by themselves because this just just never felt like an easy wine to match with food (except, as I mentioned previously, Easter candy. :-)
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7/10/2012 - HitAnyKey wrote: 86 Points
A nice tasting wine, but I certainly prefer the versions without the port. It is very noticeable in the wine, and offers a rather sweet aftertaste. A bit much for the kielbasa dinner I had it with.
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5/16/2012 - MegSailor wrote: 85 Points
You can smell and taste the port blended. It's got a strong sweetness.
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4/21/2012 - foobarski wrote: 88 Points
Still feeling like the sweet is dominating, but it doesn't seem to bother me as much tonight. Must be in a better mood. :-) Went well with the last of the Easter candy ... for some reason, seemed to work better with milk chocolate (and, surprisingly, peanut butter, i.e., Reese's Cups) than with dark chocolate.
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1/27/2012 - ChipGreen wrote: 88 Points
Drank slightly chilled, aerated. Dark ruby color, lighter around the edges, no legs to speak of. Nose of figs/prunes/raisins, bramble, hints of tart raspberry and strawberry - slightly herbaceous. A little hot with raisins and a touch of anise on the entry, sweet jammy fig-newton mid-palate, some hotness returns on the medium finish with moderately chewy tannins. Some crystallized sediment in the bottle. Paired well with dark chocolate & colby-cheddar. As previously noted this is not a typical Zin. No pepper at all. It's a big, hot, semi-sweet, fruity raisin Zin. Definitely sweeter than the '07. The Syrah/Port components drastically affect the flavor profile, creating a unique wine that is not for everyone but just happens to be right up my alley.
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11/19/2011 - PolarBear22 wrote: 85 Points
Nice after dinner wine. Sweet, but not too sweet. Good Zin character. Port is clearly present. While I prefer the Inzin without the Forte, everyone enjoyed this and it sent fast.
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10/22/2011 - foobarski wrote: 85 Points
Losing its appeal ... the sweet dominates in a not-entirely-pleasant manner. Need to drink my last bottles NOW.
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4/5/2011 - drtroppo wrote:
Not aging well, in my opinion. As others have noted, it is dominated by (Concord grape-like) sweetness and prune. Yuck. I'll use my last 2 bottle for cooking.
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4/3/2011 - nmachen wrote: 80 Points
Really sweet. Almost too much for food. Good with chocolate.
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3/13/2011 - mbmiche wrote: 80 Points
Way too sweet for me. sweet prunes followed by sweeter prunes. some sediment (crystalization). Almost a port. Have had both the '06 and '07 and definitely prefer the '07.
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12/17/2010 - foobarski wrote: 90 Points
Prunes dusted with chocolate. Not a traditional zin by any stretch, but on its own merits a very enjoyable wine.
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10/21/2010 - Capt M wrote: 70 Points
Dark, opaque ruby red with brownish rim. Cough syrup on the nose, and some celery, rhubarb, radish and alcohol. Not very serviceable. Some cherry-cola flavors, quite disjointed and undeserving of the name zinfandel.
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10/2/2010 - SirWinesALot Does not like this wine:
I've decided this wine is too sweet for me. I thought I liked it but a few bottles into it and now I'm sure I don't. The sweet is simply too much for me. I have found this makes a great wine to slow cook a pot roast in and that's how this bottle was used.
The wine looks Purple colored.
The legs are Medium.
It smells like Strawberry, and Blueberry.
It tastes like and Grape-Strawberry Jam.
The body is Medium.
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8/24/2010 - Krugsters wrote:
Stewed plums, deep black cherry, sweet raisin, jammy, PX sherry like finish. Very sweet and very extracted.
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2/11/2010 - Yodie402 wrote: 90 Points
Jammy
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1/9/2010 - merryberry wrote: 85 Points
Purple with red reflections. Nose of leather, figs, raisins, and stewed prunes. Sweet cherries, vanilla, smoke, medium bodied, no tartness, woody but nearly undetectable tannins, and a medium, sticky sweet finish. Well made, but not my style.
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1/4/2010 - dsm0721 wrote: 85 Points
This is better than I remember when I drank the first bottle. Still a bit too sweet for me but it was a good bottle for the wife and I.
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12/13/2009 - boatman72 wrote:
Too much Forte. Do not like because the taste is too strong right now. Maybe it will mellow with age.
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12/11/2009 - hld1970 wrote: 86 Points
too sweet
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11/30/2009 - Capt M wrote: 80 Points
This wine is all about figs on the nose, but also an alcoholic and sweet nose. Enters sweet on the palate, right off the bat. To be honest, I opened this bottle for cooking, and now I'm only drinking what's left. To me, it is overwhelmingly sweet.
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11/2/2009 - wolfen18 wrote: 90 Points
This wine had a very strong berry smell upon opening (raspberry with a touch of blueberry). First taste was actually pretty smooth for a Zin. I wouldn't call this a fruit bomb, not that I'm sophisticated enough to know what a fruit bomb is. I just know it's not as "big" tasting as some of the other Zin's I have tasted...and I really do love Zinfandel's. Get it if you have a chance...
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10/1/2009 - Capt M wrote: 83 Points
Not much of a nose to speak of. Smells like it tastes, plus a little heat. On the palate, plenty of raisins and some dates, but also this sweetness that is annoying and borderline artificial. Also a little strawberry liquor on the finish. Almost a dessert wine. Basically full bodied. Not much of a structure. I liked the '04 of this wine so much more. Wifey liked it more than I did, and the lable is always neat, so that's an extra three points for all that (substract that to get the real score).
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9/13/2009 - dodongo wrote: 82 Points
I find it hard to know what to do with this wine; a Zin, as it's branded, I'd score this quite a bit lower -- I find it very off-putting with that preconception in mind. HOWEVER :) Knowing the pedigree of the wine, with the sweet port grape blend, and understanding this is designed to be its own beast... Chocolate, raspberries and port come through for me pretty clearly. Nose lets you know it's not dry, but is not headache-inducing. Frankly, I have to wonder how this would fare with a little more port grapes and then some brandy.... oh wait, that's called Port.
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9/11/2009 - bkarney wrote: 85 Points
port like, not bad if you expect it to be as such. probably would be good with a cigar after dinner. weird stuff, not what I like in a Zin 85+
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8/28/2009 - mzf wrote: 86 Points
My first taste was all port. Amazing what 3% can do. Not a food wine, but great by itself.
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8/19/2009 - Fogcity54 wrote:
A bit much, too sweet. Will open next bottle decant for at least an hour which I did not do..see if that helps.
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8/19/2009 - nycts74 wrote: 80 Points
Almost overwhelmingly fruity and sweet, so I wouldn't do this again with a hearty dinner. However, for a pure drinking wine or an after dinner wine, it's perfect. And you can't beat the price!
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8/17/2009 - SirWinesALot wrote:
Enjoyable sweeter wine, you can taste the port in it. A smooth drinker that went well with steak strips and was good even after dinner was over. A good zin representation.
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8/17/2009 - rmm wrote: 85 Points
Not for the faint of heart, this is way over the top. I'd suggest drinking it more like a dessert wine after a heavy meal. I picture it rounding up things nicely. Or maybe with a cigar. In general, the port comes through so heavily that the wine ends up tasting very sweet, IMHO too sweet to effectively go with a meal, but I don't think that it's the point of the wine. It seems purposefully over the top, and delightfully so. I'd love it as a conversation piece
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8/16/2009 - foobarski wrote: 90 Points
Very sweet, fruity, and spicy. Can definitely taste the port. An EXCELLENT pairing with some chocolate chip-sour cherry chocolate cookies.
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8/14/2009 - eric9tx wrote: 90 Points
I really drank 6 bottles without posting notes? Wow. Very good QPR. Blended with 3% port-style Forte gives quite a sweet taste (NOT your typical zin. This one stands alone.) This seems more chocolatey than the '04, more nuttiness too, like roasted almonds. Great introduction to those who say they don't like reds.
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8/14/2009 - jwhite6114 wrote: 87 Points
Dark fruit on the nose with a hint of cinnamon. Flavor is slightly less fruity; still some alcohol heat; and cinnamon appears in taste, too. A bit earthier and tarter than I recall the 2004 being. Still, it is a good drinker.
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8/14/2009 - nmachen wrote: 89 Points
Very fruity, very smooth, fairly sweet. Excellent QPR!!
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8/6/2009 - DanH wrote: 87 Points
The light nose betrays a bing cherry fruit atomic explosion. Very juicy, a bit of jam, seriously holds up to food, this is wine with some serious character. It is atypical in its sweetness (can taste a touch of port), which is usually a big problem for me. However, it had many redeeming qualities and demanded a good rating. Very interesting and unique. Can see how some people will really not like this though.
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8/5/2009 - vegaswino wrote: 88 Points
Very good zin if you like port. Even with the small percentage added, it really comes through in the finish. Very smooth drinking zin with a sweet finish that resembles a dessert wine (but not as sweet). Had to try it with some chocolate and was not disappointed. Drink by itself or with a nice cigar, chocolate or fruity dessert. One you should try. very unique. resembles a cinsault port with less sweetness.
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5/31/2009 - Loweeel wrote: 90 Points
90+. One of the best low-end zins I've had. Very new-world style, but not over the top. Black raz/boysenberry standing out among other bramble aggregate fruits, a hint of oak but not vanilla candy or char.
Scott Harvey does it again. Kudos.
This is a GREAT gift wine as well for people who are not yet into wine. This could be their gateway drug.
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2/20/2009 - merryberry wrote: 85 Points
This is sweet, and I mean that in the literal sense. Name a red fruit, and its in here. Strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and oak too. Smooth, easy drinking, tongue-coating, soft tannins, and working well with the pizza. While I can smell the alcohol, I don't taste it. I do feel it though - in my chest - long after swallowing. Now that's a long finish.
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11/5/2008 - tommy_gunn wrote: 91 Points
wow! I found this amazing to drink, no heat or tannins to overwhelm you. Possibly one of the best bottles I've ever had for a simple Zin. Very smooth and fruity taste. Will probably order more right now. Drinking very well.
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