On this bottle, back to a plum flavor and nose. Not as much of a reduction flavor as in the past, but it's still there. Enjoyable, but the 2008 bottles had a lot more variation than the 2006, 2007 versions.
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This bottle, my last, was so much better than the previous. The fruit may have been a bit subdued at first, but it was still quite good and didn't take long for it to show. Dark and spicy. Glad this vintage ended on a high note.
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My last bottle. Opened at a party, where a confirmed beer drinker declared that at last he'd found an affordable wine to his liking. Reminds me why I've always loved zins. Not port-like, raisiny, or hot. Just racy, spicy and, well, "zinny". Still in good shape, but should probably be consumed within the next year or so. I love Carlisle, Ridge, Bedrock, etc., but for the money, this can't be beat.
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Seghesio (Sonoma) used to be my go-to budget-priced Zin, but not anymore. This stuff is a steal! Bright fruit (but not a fruitbomb), nice heft (but not too much), no raisins, moderate heat, and almost-perfect balance. Everything I want in a Zin, not over-the-top, and a helluva value.
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Continues to come around with bottle age. Over the last couple of years had turned into a plum reduction kind of mess. With a few more years, it has come back around to a pepper/plum palate but with much more balance and restraint.
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My 5th of six bottles consumed over the last three years. "Biker" indeed: this zin tonight was like a Harley in need of a timing adjustment. Lots of muscle, but missing tone. Too big and tannic, without any subtlety. The Bordeaux we poured ahead of it, a 2003, was a study in contrasts -- much more balanced and complex. Will hold my last bottle of Four Vines Biker for a couple more years.
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Because of recent tasting notes indicating these are over-the-hill, I was a little apprehensive. I shouldn't have been - it was just fine. Extremely dark, with a fruity, smoky nose. Dark fruits and a little bramble. Rich texture and a good finish. Since this was my first one, I don't know how it tasted six or twelve months ago, but I'd guess it's at its peak right now.
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Some of the tasting notes on CT recount a loss of fruit in this bottling. I found this to still be a tannic zin with plenty of fruit and life. Based on their warnings, however, I will open my remaining bottles by the end of the year.
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Re-visiting. My last bottle and definitely waited too long. I have enjoyed the 2009 vintage also, with the same result. This wine was made to drink young and does not fair well when aged. As much as the initial texture and body were so remarkable early, it is all gone now... including most of the fruit. It is so easy to think all wines will improve with at least a few years on them. This is a notable example of a varietal and style of winemaking that does not hold-up.
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This was awesome in its prime. Very disappointing now. Earthy licorice and very little fruit. Probably good without having had it before, but I just can't drink it knowing what it was.
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Consistent with previous notes. Last bottle and sad to see it go. Nice brambly blackberry and raspberry fruit balanced by baking spices (cinnamon, clove). Was a fine buy for $20.
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Two years in the cellar and still very tannic. I will hold my remaining bottles for at least another year. Big, bold zin that is not totally put together yet.
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Consistent with previous notes, but this bottle was smoother than the previous one with more spice notes and a bit less heat. Really enjoyable to drink on its own, but also paired decently with pasta with red sauce. One bottle left and I wish I had more. Good QPR at $21
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This has softened considerably since I enjoyed one a year ago. I let this breathe for an hour. Crimson edged with a ruby core. This offers aromas of wet bonfire ash and dark red fruits. Tart entry, with a zesty black pepper mid palate and a spicy oak wash for a finish. The candied and underbrush nuances have receded, but this is a still a good quaff. Drink up!
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Splash decant ... My second bottle in the last few days and this one was far better than the last I had. Richer and fruit forward, with a bright hit of acid at the end that made it nicely balanced. This has "faded" a bit from the big fruit bomb it was at release, but, at least in this bottle, it's still a very enjoyable easy drinker, with plenty of life left.
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Pop and pour ... Possibly an off bottle or maybe slightly past its prime already? (These are meant to be drunk young.) The fruit seemed faded and without that big hit of juicy, black fruit up front there just wasn't much there, there in this one. Dry, a hint of spice but altogether boring, bland and pedestrian. Flat and lifeless. Very different than our experience a year ago, and miles away from the wonderful '07s we adored. Have three more left, so time will tell if this was a one-off.
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First one of 3 bought a while back. This is a nice Zin. Very fruit forward (we got a lot of plum), with some touches of spice. Has a nice mouthfeel and weight, but a touch one-dimensional. Only a trace of heat despite the high alcohol. We had a 2006 Biker a while back that was a bit smoother and more complex than this 08. So I'll probably let my remaining two bottles sit for a while longer. Overall, a very nice wine for $20 and I would purchase it again. I don't think it lives up to the WS 93 hype, but it does deliver quite a bit (for new world fans).
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- Garnet color and has flavours of raspberry with a medium finish - Popped and poured. Last bottle of a case of this stuff. Great fruit on the front end, with just enough acid for pizza or burgers. Good all around wine. Best of all of the Four Vines offerings that I have had.
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This is still a big "In Your Face" Zin, with lots of dak berries and pepper. I had it a year ago at a restaurant and it is still going strong. The nose is a little hot with alcohol but the finish coats your mouth and has fine tannins.
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Fantastic Paso Robles zin. Lots of dark fruit, jam, licorice with a nice finish. Well balanced considering the 15% alc. I try to keep a bottle of this around for a middle of the week splurge.
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This wine offers a lot. True, a lot of fruit on the palate, but nice oak influences like vanilla, tobacco leaf, and spices. It's like a medley of black and red fruits. Acid balances the fruit nicely. Beautifully structured. Smooth tannins. The only place I note the 15% alcohol is on the nose. Best Zin I've had in a while. Definite re-buy.
C: garnet N: vanilla, cigar wrapper, black fruits, (blackberry, plum), prune, spices, dried roses, strawberry-rhubarb pie, cherry cola P: Much like the nose, vanilla, tobacco, black fruits, strawberry and sour cherry, spices, F: long
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This bottle of Biker wasn't quite as awesome as previous bottles we've had. Still good, but didn't wow like previous bottles. Will have to open another to see if it's the wine beginning to age, or was just that bottle.
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Definitely the ultimate expression of a new-world style wine! All fruit! Amazingly powerful flavors of stewed prune and raisin with some brighter strawberry and not sweet. What makes this wine different is the structure of this bomb. Nice acidity with smooth tannins on the back of the jammy mouth-feel. Have a feeling this might mature into a velvety textured wine with some time in the cellar, but this is also drinking well now. I prefer more old-world styles, but have to admit this is the ultimate expression of the big, fruity California zin!
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Popped and poured with BBQ Steaks. Wine is showing well, and really opened up after some time in the glass. Four Vines is a great value for everyday drinking, and I would recommend this wine if you can find it for less than $30.
93 Points.
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Not quite as big as I expected. Dark fruit, vanilla and a touch of spice on the nose. Kinda flat in the mouth - not the zippy acidity and fruit I would expect. Short but decent finish with some smoke and bit of pleasant bitterness.
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Great value zin from Paso. Alcohol is still barely noticeable but not distracting. Popped and poured and was great all by itself but would really shine with a hearty pasta or hamburger. Currants on the nose, dried cherries and anise with the first taste. Great finish. This is an excellent value and could be consumed as an every day wine or for a special occasion.
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Popped & poured after Meet & Greet with Chicago - excellent way to end the evening after a fantastic concert. Dark purple color with currant, dark berries, and a bit of pepper & spice; nice finish
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Definitely on the ripe black fruit end of the spectrum, but I did not find it raisiny or pruney in the least. Alcohol noticeable but not overbearing. i think given more time it might show a bit more brambly red fruit, but this was my last bottle.
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Decanted approx. 30 min ... Looking for something to drink on its own, after dinner (a rare occurrence for us) and this hit the spot perfectly. Big and very bold, with a lush, smooth, sweet body. Fruit, fruit and more black fruit dominate the palate. This one teeters all around over-the-top, but doesn't quite tip over into cocktail wine territory. For what it is--an unabashedly, unrefined, big ole Cali Zin--it is pretty darn awesome.
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Scents of black cherry, vanilla, and sage. Tastes of black cherry, anise, sage, and some vanilla. A little spice and a little heat. Good wine for the money.
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Very smooth for a zin. Fruit, but not overpowering. Not jammy. A little short on finish though still very tasty. I think I like this vintage of Biker best of what I've had to date. Had with some really hearty cheese and match was great.
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Another solid tasty Zin from Four Vines. Great with spicy mexican or southern food. Great by itself as well. Big fruity tasty Zin- pushes the limit but doesn't go over the edge.
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strong nose of kiwi, strawberry, electric brambly fruit. Nice fruit...but disjointed and sticky. Needs a year to settle and integrate. Great modern zin in the form of turley and carlisle.
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Not my style of wine at all. I expected a fruit bomb but this was way to sweet. The sweetness overpowered everything else. Almost like a thin port more than a zin. I don't understand how WS was so high on this one. Would not get again.
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Jammy and oaky. Good for what it is and a clear crowd pleaser, but I'm enjoying this style less and less. Will wait a year to try the next bottle to see if the fruitiness gives way to more complexity. Overall, a good value at $21, though I'm not sure about the 93 rating by WS.
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A powerful, high alcohol pruney California fruit-bomb. This coming from a guy who likes this style of wine. Doesn't have the grace and complexity the 2007 Seghesio Sonoma has. It just bashes you over the head with alcohol and leaves you lying on the couch wondering what happened after half a bottle. Wouldn't buy again.
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Good Dark purple in color.Not opaque, but little light passing. Candied plum, blueberry, light oak, and spice edge. Jammy red berries for days on the palate, Strawberries,raspberries, snozz-berries (Willy Wonka reference). Some spice, but low heat. This is a well made wine, with a lot of balance. I have really enjoyed this series of 4 Vines wines, and was very sorry to read that they had sold out recently to Purple Wines. Will have to see if the high quality level continues.
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Pretty fall cranberry color with titillating aromas of baking spice and dried red flowers. A complex chorus of stemmy strawberry, stewd rhubarb and red currant. A beam of wilted rose and pink peppercorn add depth to this delicious red wine. A robust, spicy Zin with fabulous structure and firm tannins, all blended together nicely with a dry, persistant finish that ends with a chocolate kiss. More focused and precise notes than previous review in the tasting room in mid October during the harvest festival. Drinking very well now and will evolve over the next few years. Lisa's homemade pizza night.
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Did not decant. See previous notes. Still outstanding, there's a cola element as well and I'm not getting the rhubarb pie aspect this time around. This night it seemed a little more muted than previous times, however, just off by a little. Had this with turkey burgers and grilled vegetables. This even went well with the BBQ sauce.
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A curious wine that expresses imaginitive aromatics of cake spices and cherrywood. This fun red displays dark cherries and brownie on the entry with jammy red fruit and spice on the back end. This Biker offers depth and richness as it powers towards a creamy impressive, full length finish. A well crafted Zinfandel drinking very well right now. Four Vines tasting room - Paso Robles Harvest Festival.
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This is a very nice truly varietal medium weight tasty zin. Delicious flavors, drinks well now, as someone else wrote - a crowd pleaser. Quite versatile and will go well with a wide variety of foods from roast chicken to red sauce pastas to spicy Asian dishes.
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Fantastic Zin. See previous posts for description. This is a huge crowd pleaser...at our dinner party with 10 people, this was rated the best wine of the night by far (against 2007 Napa Cab and 2006 Chianti Classico). It is large, fruit forward, robust and easy drinking. Buy it if you can find it.
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A very nice tasting experience. Popped and poured with an immediately enjoyable nose of spice and oak. The palate was equally enjoyable with a robust sweet and peppery body and nice long finish.
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Opened a little on the green side-but after a half hour in the decanter this was in striking distance of a grandslam. Color is dark red light purple. Nose is classic Robles Zin-light pepper, creamy/sweet red berries, black, vanilla, tar?or thick licorice.....palate is just a fun time. Starts with blue and rasberry and mid palate gets dark, back end is deep and dark....as the finish sails on it darkens.....SUPERB finish..lasts for minutes.....there is some heat on nose and back end....3-5 years from now? A classic wine? No...but for the price (low 20's) a rock star. The 06, 07 were/are better.....buy when see. "mini-fruitbomb"....in my sweetspot.....cali fruit..... 91-94 pts MJL
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Very nice Zin. We've had it before, and keep coming back to it. We opened it next to a 2008 Turley Juvenile Zin, and the Biker was so much better. It is robust, fruit forward with some depth, and a nice finish. The Turley tasted thin & young in comparison. Down to our last 6 bottles...will buy more if we can still find it.
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This is a large, almost over the top Zin. It is fruit forward, with some spice. Tastes ripe with fruit - maybe blackberry with a touch of raisins?. Paired very nicely with dry rub BBQ ribs. Huge crowd pleaser - didn't buy enough for our guests. Will go back for more.
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The ratings on cellartracker are a little too generous, I think, but this is a solid Zinfandel. Not a 95 point one, though. Has nice subtle spiciness to go with it's fruitiness. Not a fruit bomb like some...has a nice balance to it.
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Nose had a touch of brett and strong oak/vanilla. Very soft and round on the palate, almost overwhelming sweet toasty oak masking a hint of dark fruits. Mature tannins which was nice, but acidity was lacking. Pleasant enough to drink but too soft and heavy handed with the oak for me to buy again. Much preferred the '07.
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Opened for one hour prior. Vibrant cayenne pepper, juicy berry medley; huckleberries, blackberry and dark cherry - with warm oak and rhubarb pie. Gorgeous texture with a long finish, focusing on the berries at the end. A very super-charged Zin, however, there's a freshness and wonderful balance as well. I prefer this over the 2007 (gave it 90 pts). Evident tannin with some ripeness and a super fruity end. Perfect for grilling and a little effervescent. Drink now - 2017.
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Popped and poured and had with a beef barley soup at a restaurant. A silky smooth taste of rich dark red fruits and milk chocolate coat the mouth...best way to describe it is a fun wine to drink...Some wines are described as masculine or feminine, this one is more like a big juvenile. Not too deep, but fun...Finished with some sweet tannins, that actually coated the mouth...Highly recommend, and will seek some out for the cellar...
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7/25/2015 - Pour Boy wrote: 92 Points
It took 5 years, but this Zin finally reached its potential. I wish I had showed more patience with these.
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4/18/2015 - cowtownguy wrote: 89 Points
Noticed this tucked away and pulled it. Popped and poured and well rewarded. Not overly complex but drinks way above it weight class.
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11/6/2014 - themki wrote: 88 Points
Amazing difference from bottle one year ago. Subdued fruit (vs none), pleasing autumn spices, and nice zin finish
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8/21/2014 - cwiebe Likes this wine: 88 Points
On this bottle, back to a plum flavor and nose. Not as much of a reduction flavor as in the past, but it's still there. Enjoyable, but the 2008 bottles had a lot more variation than the 2006, 2007 versions.
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5/23/2014 - Jobu wrote: 92 Points
This bottle, my last, was so much better than the previous. The fruit may have been a bit subdued at first, but it was still quite good and didn't take long for it to show. Dark and spicy. Glad this vintage ended on a high note.
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5/20/2014 - Night Train Likes this wine: 90 Points
My last bottle. Opened at a party, where a confirmed beer drinker declared that at last he'd found an affordable wine to his liking. Reminds me why I've always loved zins. Not port-like, raisiny, or hot. Just racy, spicy and, well, "zinny". Still in good shape, but should probably be consumed within the next year or so. I love Carlisle, Ridge, Bedrock, etc., but for the money, this can't be beat.
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3/1/2014 - Night Train Likes this wine: 90 Points
Seghesio (Sonoma) used to be my go-to budget-priced Zin, but not anymore. This stuff is a steal! Bright fruit (but not a fruitbomb), nice heft (but not too much), no raisins, moderate heat, and almost-perfect balance. Everything I want in a Zin, not over-the-top, and a helluva value.
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12/25/2013 - cwiebe Likes this wine: 90 Points
Continues to come around with bottle age. Over the last couple of years had turned into a plum reduction kind of mess. With a few more years, it has come back around to a pepper/plum palate but with much more balance and restraint.
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8/31/2013 - Pour Boy wrote: 86 Points
My 5th of six bottles consumed over the last three years. "Biker" indeed: this zin tonight was like a Harley in need of a timing adjustment. Lots of muscle, but missing tone. Too big and tannic, without any subtlety. The Bordeaux we poured ahead of it, a 2003, was a study in contrasts -- much more balanced and complex. Will hold my last bottle of Four Vines Biker for a couple more years.
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8/17/2013 - Night Train Likes this wine: 90 Points
Because of recent tasting notes indicating these are over-the-hill, I was a little apprehensive. I shouldn't have been - it was just fine. Extremely dark, with a fruity, smoky nose. Dark fruits and a little bramble. Rich texture and a good finish. Since this was my first one, I don't know how it tasted six or twelve months ago, but I'd guess it's at its peak right now.
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8/2/2013 - Pour Boy wrote: 92 Points
Some of the tasting notes on CT recount a loss of fruit in this bottling. I found this to still be a tannic zin with plenty of fruit and life. Based on their warnings, however, I will open my remaining bottles by the end of the year.
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7/31/2013 - wrm wrote: 88 Points
I agree with other recent reviews indicating that this wine is past it's prime. Not the racy, hedonistic Biker that I've come to expect.
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7/27/2013 - themki wrote: 76 Points
Unpleasant blend of cherry cola, sage, and earthy licorice. Fruit long gone...
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6/22/2013 - djlevin wrote: 87 Points
Re-visiting. My last bottle and definitely waited too long. I have enjoyed the 2009 vintage also, with the same result. This wine was made to drink young and does not fair well when aged. As much as the initial texture and body were so remarkable early, it is all gone now... including most of the fruit. It is so easy to think all wines will improve with at least a few years on them. This is a notable example of a varietal and style of winemaking that does not hold-up.
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5/24/2013 - Jobu wrote:
This was awesome in its prime. Very disappointing now. Earthy licorice and very little fruit. Probably good without having had it before, but I just can't drink it knowing what it was.
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4/16/2013 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistent with previous notes. Last bottle and sad to see it go. Nice brambly blackberry and raspberry fruit balanced by baking spices (cinnamon, clove). Was a fine buy for $20.
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2/25/2013 - Pour Boy wrote: 90 Points
Two years in the cellar and still very tannic. I will hold my remaining bottles for at least another year. Big, bold zin that is not totally put together yet.
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2/25/2013 - metldr wrote:
- Garnet color with medium forming legs with a medium/full body with a medium finish.
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2/11/2013 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Consistent with previous notes, but this bottle was smoother than the previous one with more spice notes and a bit less heat. Really enjoyable to drink on its own, but also paired decently with pasta with red sauce. One bottle left and I wish I had more. Good QPR at $21
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2/6/2013 - swade wrote: 89 Points
This has softened considerably since I enjoyed one a year ago. I let this breathe for an hour. Crimson edged with a ruby core. This offers aromas of wet bonfire ash and dark red fruits. Tart entry, with a zesty black pepper mid palate and a spicy oak wash for a finish. The candied and underbrush nuances have receded, but this is a still a good quaff. Drink up!
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1/3/2013 - snarfglk wrote: 87 Points
Flabby and a bit oaky with little character. Bummed about this wine. Worse day 2.
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1/1/2013 - bvwino wrote: 84 Points
Seemed past its prime, as most of the fruit was gone.
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11/2/2012 - Redrunners wrote: 91 Points
Enjoyable zin. Nice fruit and a little spice on the finish (plum, cinnamon) .
Fruit forward, smooth with moderate complexity.
Would buy again
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9/15/2012 - cabinbor wrote: 91 Points
very good wine
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9/8/2012 - egroves wrote: 91 Points
Really drinking perfect now, unless you like a jammy Zin. Drink over the next 3 years.
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8/19/2012 - bvwino wrote: 91 Points
Drinking nicely
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5/14/2012 - markandsusanw Likes this wine: 91 Points
Splash decant ... My second bottle in the last few days and this one was far better than the last I had. Richer and fruit forward, with a bright hit of acid at the end that made it nicely balanced. This has "faded" a bit from the big fruit bomb it was at release, but, at least in this bottle, it's still a very enjoyable easy drinker, with plenty of life left.
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5/9/2012 - markandsusanw wrote: 86 Points
Pop and pour ... Possibly an off bottle or maybe slightly past its prime already? (These are meant to be drunk young.) The fruit seemed faded and without that big hit of juicy, black fruit up front there just wasn't much there, there in this one. Dry, a hint of spice but altogether boring, bland and pedestrian. Flat and lifeless. Very different than our experience a year ago, and miles away from the wonderful '07s we adored. Have three more left, so time will tell if this was a one-off.
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5/8/2012 - SpoochMan Likes this wine: 90 Points
First one of 3 bought a while back. This is a nice Zin. Very fruit forward (we got a lot of plum), with some touches of spice. Has a nice mouthfeel and weight, but a touch one-dimensional. Only a trace of heat despite the high alcohol. We had a 2006 Biker a while back that was a bit smoother and more complex than this 08. So I'll probably let my remaining two bottles sit for a while longer. Overall, a very nice wine for $20 and I would purchase it again. I don't think it lives up to the WS 93 hype, but it does deliver quite a bit (for new world fans).
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4/28/2012 - dfarley wrote: 88 Points
Still a big boy Zin...excellent if you like that style but my tastes are changing to more balanced products.
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4/22/2012 - denisontb wrote: 90 Points
Consistently delicious.
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4/21/2012 - Novelwines wrote: 92 Points
- Garnet color and has flavours of raspberry with a medium finish - Popped and poured. Last bottle of a case of this stuff. Great fruit on the front end, with just enough acid for pizza or burgers. Good all around wine. Best of all of the Four Vines offerings that I have had.
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4/2/2012 - Ann&Wayne wrote: 90 Points
smoky and slightly fruity; liked it
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3/25/2012 - bbcc66 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still a good zin, consistent with previous notes.
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3/20/2012 - chanote44 wrote: 89 Points
This is still a big "In Your Face" Zin, with lots of dak berries and pepper. I had it a year ago at a restaurant and it is still going strong. The nose is a little hot with alcohol but the finish coats your mouth and has fine tannins.
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2/5/2012 - cwiebe wrote: 88 Points
Consistent with prior bottles, heavy on the plum, almost port-like to start. Mellows out with some air.
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2/4/2012 - Mackvn wrote: 92 Points
Great wine. Fantastic nose. Big Vanilla cherry flavor. Nice spice with a clean finish.
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1/25/2012 - vin0vin0 wrote: 92 Points
Fantastic Paso Robles zin. Lots of dark fruit, jam, licorice with a nice finish. Well balanced considering the 15% alc. I try to keep a bottle of this around for a middle of the week splurge.
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11/16/2011 - BuffaloLou wrote: 92 Points
This wine offers a lot. True, a lot of fruit on the palate, but nice oak influences like vanilla, tobacco leaf, and spices. It's like a medley of black and red fruits. Acid balances the fruit nicely. Beautifully structured. Smooth tannins. The only place I note the 15% alcohol is on the nose. Best Zin I've had in a while. Definite re-buy.
C: garnet
N: vanilla, cigar wrapper, black fruits, (blackberry, plum), prune, spices, dried roses, strawberry-rhubarb pie, cherry cola
P: Much like the nose, vanilla, tobacco, black fruits, strawberry and sour cherry, spices,
F: long
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11/6/2011 - denisontb wrote: 89 Points
This bottle of Biker wasn't quite as awesome as previous bottles we've had. Still good, but didn't wow like previous bottles. Will have to open another to see if it's the wine beginning to age, or was just that bottle.
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10/26/2011 - jwalker1140 wrote: 90 Points
Previous notes apply.
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10/14/2011 - BornToRhone wrote: 88 Points
Good juice! A bit hot but nothing a little air couldn't solve...
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10/1/2011 - Rick B wrote: 86 Points
Certainly not bad - but a bit overrated in my view. Not worth $20 bones.
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9/14/2011 - djlevin wrote: 93 Points
Definitely the ultimate expression of a new-world style wine! All fruit! Amazingly powerful flavors of stewed prune and raisin with some brighter strawberry and not sweet. What makes this wine different is the structure of this bomb. Nice acidity with smooth tannins on the back of the jammy mouth-feel. Have a feeling this might mature into a velvety textured wine with some time in the cellar, but this is also drinking well now. I prefer more old-world styles, but have to admit this is the ultimate expression of the big, fruity California zin!
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9/5/2011 - mpickett99 wrote: 93 Points
WS 93 pts
www.winespectator.com/wine/detail/source/search/note_id/288593
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8/27/2011 - lucaslabelle wrote: 93 Points
Popped and poured with BBQ Steaks. Wine is showing well, and really opened up after some time in the glass. Four Vines is a great value for everyday drinking, and I would recommend this wine if you can find it for less than $30.
93 Points.
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8/17/2011 - dekay wrote: 88 Points
Not quite as big as I expected. Dark fruit, vanilla and a touch of spice on the nose. Kinda flat in the mouth - not the zippy acidity and fruit I would expect. Short but decent finish with some smoke and bit of pleasant bitterness.
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7/17/2011 - Pour Boy wrote: 90 Points
Still a youngster. Needs more time in the cellar
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7/5/2011 - WinstonWolfe wrote: 86 Points
Nice tart flavors but way too short on the finish.
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6/28/2011 - vinoballo Likes this wine: 91 Points
Great value zin from Paso. Alcohol is still barely noticeable but not distracting. Popped and poured and was great all by itself but would really shine with a hearty pasta or hamburger. Currants on the nose, dried cherries and anise with the first taste. Great finish. This is an excellent value and could be consumed as an every day wine or for a special occasion.
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6/26/2011 - nogohawk wrote: 91 Points
Popped & poured - same notes as before; excellent zin - good QPR
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5/28/2011 - Mythlogic Likes this wine: 92 Points
Third bottle just as good as the previous two.
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5/27/2011 - nogohawk wrote: 93 Points
Popped & poured after Meet & Greet with Chicago - excellent way to end the evening after a fantastic concert. Dark purple color with currant, dark berries, and a bit of pepper & spice; nice finish
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5/16/2011 - Zonk wrote: 92 Points
Definitely on the ripe black fruit end of the spectrum, but I did not find it raisiny or pruney in the least. Alcohol noticeable but not overbearing. i think given more time it might show a bit more brambly red fruit, but this was my last bottle.
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5/12/2011 - nogohawk wrote: 93 Points
Drank over several nights - same notes as before
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5/8/2011 - nogohawk wrote: 93 Points
Excellent zin w/ great QPR - glad I found a few more btls when travelling; loads of currant, berry & spice with a nice finish
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4/25/2011 - markandsusanw Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted approx. 30 min ... Looking for something to drink on its own, after dinner (a rare occurrence for us) and this hit the spot perfectly. Big and very bold, with a lush, smooth, sweet body. Fruit, fruit and more black fruit dominate the palate. This one teeters all around over-the-top, but doesn't quite tip over into cocktail wine territory. For what it is--an unabashedly, unrefined, big ole Cali Zin--it is pretty darn awesome.
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4/21/2011 - DesMarteau wrote:
Electric fruit in this sucker. Nice QPR as it's in the spirit of linne calodo or carlsle for a fraction of the price.
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4/16/2011 - jwalker1140 wrote: 90 Points
Fun, fruity, crowd-pleaser style. Borders on the jammy, porty side, which I'm not so fond of these days.
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4/2/2011 - GEMon wrote: 91 Points
Scents of black cherry, vanilla, and sage. Tastes of black cherry, anise, sage, and some vanilla. A little spice and a little heat. Good wine for the money.
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3/27/2011 - coreywb Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very smooth for a zin. Fruit, but not overpowering. Not jammy. A little short on finish though still very tasty. I think I like this vintage of Biker best of what I've had to date. Had with some really hearty cheese and match was great.
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3/24/2011 - JeffP wrote: 92 Points
Sweet, berry
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3/13/2011 - Mythlogic Likes this wine: 92 Points
Same as first bottle.Very Good.
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3/2/2011 - DPMc wrote: 90 Points
Lots of fruit. Fortunately, stops just short of the rainseny end of the spectrum. Simple but good.
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2/26/2011 - cwiebe wrote: 88 Points
First night. Still quite a bit of prune/raisan on the palate, but not as pronounced as last time I opened one of these. Good length, decent balance.
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2/19/2011 - Mythlogic Likes this wine: 92 Points
Roses, Cherries and plum on the nose.Big fruit of cherries, strawberries and a hint of chocolate on the palette. Good finish. Overall a very good zin.
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2/17/2011 - VinoPKM wrote: 91 Points
Another solid tasty Zin from Four Vines. Great with spicy mexican or southern food. Great by itself as well. Big fruity tasty Zin- pushes the limit but doesn't go over the edge.
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2/11/2011 - DesMarteau wrote: 92 Points
strong nose of kiwi, strawberry, electric brambly fruit. Nice fruit...but disjointed and sticky. Needs a year to settle and integrate. Great modern zin in the form of turley and carlisle.
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2/5/2011 - nogohawk wrote: 93 Points
Excellent zin - same notes as before
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2/5/2011 - BT_3 wrote: 83 Points
Not my style of wine at all. I expected a fruit bomb but this was way to sweet. The sweetness overpowered everything else. Almost like a thin port more than a zin. I don't understand how WS was so high on this one. Would not get again.
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2/4/2011 - texaswino wrote: 92 Points
better now that it has had a few weeks sitting in the cellar after shipping. More complex now, fruity, brambly, dry finish. Nice stuff
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1/23/2011 - jwalker1140 wrote: 90 Points
Jammy and oaky. Good for what it is and a clear crowd pleaser, but I'm enjoying this style less and less. Will wait a year to try the next bottle to see if the fruitiness gives way to more complexity. Overall, a good value at $21, though I'm not sure about the 93 rating by WS.
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1/22/2011 - RobertDwyer Does not like this wine: 84 Points
A powerful, high alcohol pruney California fruit-bomb. This coming from a guy who likes this style of wine. Doesn't have the grace and complexity the 2007 Seghesio Sonoma has. It just bashes you over the head with alcohol and leaves you lying on the couch wondering what happened after half a bottle. Wouldn't buy again.
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1/10/2011 - Aceandco wrote: 92 Points
Woot! Nice oak!
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1/1/2011 - Pour Boy wrote: 91 Points
One of several favorable bottles at our New Year's party. A very respectable Zin, but I can't rate it higher than the 07 Seghesio.
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12/30/2010 - mrpalmer wrote: 92 Points
Bright, fruity, long finish. Cherry. Very enjoyable.
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12/27/2010 - pismo45 wrote: 90 Points
Nice berry,plum fruit with some spicy notes. Really nice.
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12/21/2010 - Zonk wrote: 92 Points
No notes taken but liked it more tha the 2007. Not jammy good fruit.
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12/11/2010 - nogohawk wrote: 93 Points
Drank after 1997 Cinq Cepages - loads of currant, berry & spice - nice finish
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12/11/2010 - wbaccus wrote: 88 Points
2nd pass at this vintage. I stand by my previous review. 89. Good balance. Would be a 90 if the plum was replaced with strawberry in the palette.
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12/6/2010 - nogohawk wrote: 93 Points
Another VG Zin from 4 Vines; dark purple color with currant and berry; a bit of smoke & spice with a nice finish
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12/4/2010 - stevenjstein Likes this wine: 93 Points
Very tasty. Layers of rich berry fruit, but not really jammy. Complex and well-balanced.
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12/3/2010 - mpricher wrote: 91 Points
Good Dark purple in color.Not opaque, but little light passing. Candied plum, blueberry, light oak, and spice edge. Jammy red berries for days on the palate, Strawberries,raspberries, snozz-berries (Willy Wonka reference). Some spice, but low heat. This is a well made wine, with a lot of balance. I have really enjoyed this series of 4 Vines wines, and was very sorry to read that they had sold out recently to Purple Wines. Will have to see if the high quality level continues.
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11/26/2010 - wine maestro wrote: 91 Points
Pretty fall cranberry color with titillating aromas of baking spice and dried red flowers.
A complex chorus of stemmy strawberry, stewd rhubarb and red currant. A beam of
wilted rose and pink peppercorn add depth to this delicious red wine. A robust, spicy
Zin with fabulous structure and firm tannins, all blended together nicely with a dry,
persistant finish that ends with a chocolate kiss. More focused and precise notes than
previous review in the tasting room in mid October during the harvest festival. Drinking
very well now and will evolve over the next few years. Lisa's homemade pizza night.
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11/23/2010 - Matt Scott wrote: 91 Points
Did not decant. See previous notes. Still outstanding, there's a cola element as well and I'm not getting the rhubarb pie aspect this time around. This night it seemed a little more muted than previous times, however, just off by a little. Had this with turkey burgers and grilled vegetables. This even went well with the BBQ sauce.
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11/18/2010 - waterintowino wrote: 85 Points
Very new world stewed red fruit, butter and oak. Just not my style.
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11/10/2010 - Michael6296 wrote: 90 Points
Christian Tietje is one heck of a winemaker. A great taste for $26.00. wow
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10/25/2010 - danski Does not like this wine: 87 Points
one dimensional, bit too jammy
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10/18/2010 - Rhmeans wrote: 89 Points
Ruth liked it
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10/16/2010 - wine maestro wrote: 89 Points
A curious wine that expresses imaginitive aromatics of cake spices and cherrywood.
This fun red displays dark cherries and brownie on the entry with jammy red fruit
and spice on the back end. This Biker offers depth and richness as it powers towards
a creamy impressive, full length finish. A well crafted Zinfandel drinking very well right
now. Four Vines tasting room - Paso Robles Harvest Festival.
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10/4/2010 - pkatz wrote: 90 Points
This is a very nice truly varietal medium weight tasty zin. Delicious flavors, drinks well now, as someone else wrote - a crowd pleaser. Quite versatile and will go well with a wide variety of foods from roast chicken to red sauce pastas to spicy Asian dishes.
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9/26/2010 - hutch wrote: 90 Points
Great fruit. Some spice. Delicious.
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9/25/2010 - denisontb wrote: 90 Points
Fantastic Zin. See previous posts for description. This is a huge crowd pleaser...at our dinner party with 10 people, this was rated the best wine of the night by far (against 2007 Napa Cab and 2006 Chianti Classico). It is large, fruit forward, robust and easy drinking. Buy it if you can find it.
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8/24/2010 - drphil Likes this wine: 89 Points
A very nice tasting experience. Popped and poured with an immediately enjoyable nose of spice and oak. The palate was equally enjoyable with a robust sweet and peppery body and nice long finish.
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8/22/2010 - mjlombo wrote: 92 Points
Opened a little on the green side-but after a half hour in the decanter this was in striking distance of a grandslam. Color is dark red light purple. Nose is classic Robles Zin-light pepper, creamy/sweet red berries, black, vanilla, tar?or thick licorice.....palate is just a fun time. Starts with blue and rasberry and mid palate gets dark, back end is deep and dark....as the finish sails on it darkens.....SUPERB finish..lasts for minutes.....there is some heat on nose and back end....3-5 years from now? A classic wine? No...but for the price (low 20's) a rock star. The 06, 07 were/are better.....buy when see. "mini-fruitbomb"....in my sweetspot.....cali fruit.....
91-94 pts MJL
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8/13/2010 - jcbrand wrote: 90 Points
Consistent with prior tasting
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8/8/2010 - oooESTHERooo wrote: 90 Points
one of the best zinfandel's i've had in a long time!
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8/8/2010 - denisontb wrote: 90 Points
Very nice Zin. We've had it before, and keep coming back to it. We opened it next to a 2008 Turley Juvenile Zin, and the Biker was so much better. It is robust, fruit forward with some depth, and a nice finish. The Turley tasted thin & young in comparison. Down to our last 6 bottles...will buy more if we can still find it.
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7/29/2010 - CV wine guy wrote: 90 Points
Very fruit forward. Great drinking
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7/26/2010 - denisontb wrote: 90 Points
This is a large, almost over the top Zin. It is fruit forward, with some spice. Tastes ripe with fruit - maybe blackberry with a touch of raisins?. Paired very nicely with dry rub BBQ ribs. Huge crowd pleaser - didn't buy enough for our guests. Will go back for more.
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7/12/2010 - Matt Scott wrote: 92 Points
See previous notes. Outstanding with Bar B Q.
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7/10/2010 - wbaccus wrote: 89 Points
The ratings on cellartracker are a little too generous, I think, but this is a solid Zinfandel. Not a 95 point one, though. Has nice subtle spiciness to go with it's fruitiness. Not a fruit bomb like some...has a nice balance to it.
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6/30/2010 - Brad B. wrote: 88 Points
Nose had a touch of brett and strong oak/vanilla. Very soft and round on the palate, almost overwhelming sweet toasty oak masking a hint of dark fruits. Mature tannins which was nice, but acidity was lacking. Pleasant enough to drink but too soft and heavy handed with the oak for me to buy again. Much preferred the '07.
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6/20/2010 - denisontb wrote: 91 Points
Excellent Zin. Very fruit forward, a bit spicy, very large. Really enojoyed.
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6/6/2010 - Matt Scott wrote: 92 Points
Opened for one hour prior. Vibrant cayenne pepper, juicy berry medley; huckleberries, blackberry and dark cherry - with warm oak and rhubarb pie. Gorgeous texture with a long finish, focusing on the berries at the end. A very super-charged Zin, however, there's a freshness and wonderful balance as well. I prefer this over the 2007 (gave it 90 pts). Evident tannin with some ripeness and a super fruity end. Perfect for grilling and a little effervescent. Drink now - 2017.
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4/30/2010 - mnl wrote: 95 Points
Very good on it's own.
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4/16/2010 - jcbrand wrote: 90 Points
Big red fruit, medium structure, paired great with bbq'd ribs
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3/31/2010 - Coupe 60 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Popped and poured and had with a beef barley soup at a restaurant. A silky smooth taste of rich dark red fruits and milk chocolate coat the mouth...best way to describe it is a fun wine to drink...Some wines are described as masculine or feminine, this one is more like a big juvenile. Not too deep, but fun...Finished with some sweet tannins, that actually coated the mouth...Highly recommend, and will seek some out for the cellar...
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