The wine is a dark garnet in color. 15.5% ABV. Cherries, strawberries and raspberries on the nose. Sweet, lush, jammy and complex but not overpowering. Brown sugar, brambly fruits and the faintest hint of pepper on the palate. The sweetness of the fruit on this wine is something to behold. The finish is long and sweet.
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15.5 % alcohol and it shows. Dark berry, plum and spice flavors. Smooth tannins and a lingering finish. Couldn't get past the heat which through it off balance. Not the style of Zin I like.
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This is not your typical zin. This was recommended to me by a wine merchant when I told him I prefer a more balanced, nuanced, feminine type zin. Well... this is it. Almost drinks like a fuller pinot. really elegant. It takes time for the nose and flavors to come through, and this should be drunk in the next 2-3 years (3rd night faded a bit, but forgot to vacuum seal). I could see this pleasing many. But if you are looking for that inky brambly fruit bomb, this is isn't it.
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It's been a few years since I had a brown estate Zin. Last time I loved it. I think it was a 2005. Now, I'm just disappointed. Thin not much flavor. When I go for a Zin I want big and bold, This just isn't it. I'll save some for tomorrow.
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4th of July Weekend Zin Fest (The Wine Country, Signal Hill, CA): Really disappointed in this wine. Yes, there is big and pure zin fruit, but it's on the sweet side and is very simple and has no balancing acidity. I can see why a lot of people would love this wine, but this is pretty unremarkable from a complexity standpoint and particularly at the $30+ price point. This showed very poorly against the other zins in this price range at the tasting.
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One of these years, I'll let one of the holiday magnums age, but it's just too difficult to keep away from this delicious juice. Spice and fruit - what else could you ask for from a Napa zin?
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Spicy, fruity, a hint of oak. Lots of dark cherry and cranberry. Perfect accompaniment to Thanksgiving dinner. Hoping the second magnum will last long enough to let it age some.
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11/20/2017 - Pjzlotnik wrote: 90 Points
great fruit in nose and taste lingers
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4/20/2015 - dooker1022 wrote: 94 Points
This was a fantastic zin with full rich aromas and one of the best zins I have ever had
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2/21/2015 - ffjxc Likes this wine: 90 Points
Balanced with nice fruit. Not their biggest zin but very nice paired well with pork chop pizzaiolo, cesar salad. Still has a few years left in it.
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7/26/2014 - Wineson Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very good Zin.
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11/1/2012 - tomlee wrote: 92 Points
The wine is a dark garnet in color. 15.5% ABV. Cherries, strawberries and raspberries on the nose. Sweet, lush, jammy and complex but not overpowering. Brown sugar, brambly fruits and the faintest hint of pepper on the palate. The sweetness of the fruit on this wine is something to behold. The finish is long and sweet.
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1/12/2012 - jonysan Does not like this wine: 82 Points
15.5 % alcohol and it shows. Dark berry, plum and spice flavors. Smooth tannins and a lingering finish. Couldn't get past the heat which through it off balance. Not the style of Zin I like.
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12/3/2011 - Stephenmadden wrote: 84 Points
Blackberry, cherry
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6/18/2011 - winebot wrote:
Terrific with Red Beans and Rice
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5/30/2011 - CWilliam wrote:
Served at dinner party so no real notes - fruit very dominant (its a Zin) but very good with grilled ribs. 88-90 range.
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3/16/2011 - Oakjeff wrote: 83 Points
Too jammy, fruity and almost sweet for my taste.
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3/15/2011 - lolo66 wrote: 91 Points
This is not your typical zin. This was recommended to me by a wine merchant when I told him I prefer a more balanced, nuanced, feminine type zin. Well... this is it. Almost drinks like a fuller pinot. really elegant. It takes time for the nose and flavors to come through, and this should be drunk in the next 2-3 years (3rd night faded a bit, but forgot to vacuum seal). I could see this pleasing many. But if you are looking for that inky brambly fruit bomb, this is isn't it.
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11/5/2010 - deltacop wrote: 86 Points
It's been a few years since I had a brown estate Zin. Last time I loved it. I think it was a 2005. Now, I'm just disappointed. Thin not much flavor. When I go for a Zin I want big and bold, This just isn't it. I'll save some for tomorrow.
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10/14/2010 - beezer6 wrote: 86 Points
West Coast Tasting (Binny's South Loop - Chicago, IL): Didn't love this wine - especially for $30. Med body, not over the top, but just boring. One dimensional.
You could find something like this for ten bucks.
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7/3/2010 - PIntag wrote: 83 Points
4th of July Weekend Zin Fest (The Wine Country, Signal Hill, CA): Really disappointed in this wine. Yes, there is big and pure zin fruit, but it's on the sweet side and is very simple and has no balancing acidity. I can see why a lot of people would love this wine, but this is pretty unremarkable from a complexity standpoint and particularly at the $30+ price point. This showed very poorly against the other zins in this price range at the tasting.
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4/30/2010 - Drankthewholebottle wrote: 91 Points
A solid 91.
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3/6/2010 - mhauser wrote: 89 Points
One of these years, I'll let one of the holiday magnums age, but it's just too difficult to keep away from this delicious juice. Spice and fruit - what else could you ask for from a Napa zin?
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1/16/2010 - mhauser wrote: 89 Points
Spicy, fruity, a hint of oak. Lots of dark cherry and cranberry. Perfect accompaniment to Thanksgiving dinner. Hoping the second magnum will last long enough to let it age some.
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12/24/2009 - Drankthewholebottle wrote: 91 Points
Much better than the 2007. Nose, body, and taste more similar to the 2005 and 2006. Got very dry after an hour, maybe the weather outside at 40 deg F.
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