Blackberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cedar. spice, layered complexity. Tannins are still pronounced, but have some balance. Bit of acidity on the finish. probably hold another 3-5 years. A-/A
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
This wine was a surprise and a disappointment to me. The surprise is that a Zinfandel-Cabernet blend could have the color a lighter Pinot Noir, the body of a lighter Pinot Noir, and would be light on tannins. The disappointment was (1) this was not what I expected or wanted when I served it, and (2) that it did not have the acidity of that I would want from a Pinot/Burgundy. I agree with ALEXHOP when he wrote, "nose that is quite elegant. Flavors are a bit austere with medium fruit but also shoe leather and slightly rough balance. Nice long finish." Elegant is precisely the right word. I want to try this wine again when Elegant is what I want. I didn't notice the "good herbs [...] to which ALEXHOP referred, but I admit I wasn't in the mood. To readers of this review I say, KNOW WHAT YOU ARE OPENING. To the producers I say, it is fine that you produced a light bodied Zinfandel-Cabernet blend -- I contratulate you even -- but you should have mentioned on the back label where you mentioned the grapes or else you will have others responding as I did.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Professional reviews have copyrights and you can view them here for your personal use only as private content. To view pro reviews you must either subscribe to a pre-integrated publication or manually enter reviews below. Learn more.
8/2/2020 - wbduval Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent wine. Give it some time to open up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/18/2018 - andrewlaurenwines wrote: 95 Points
Bingo - this is what I look for in Howell mountain fruit - so smooth - fruit still popping but getting some nice elegance on the finish
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/23/2016 - BigBoy_Sonoma Likes this wine: 92 Points
Blackberries, dark cherries, pomegranate, cedar. spice, layered complexity. Tannins are still pronounced, but have some balance. Bit of acidity on the finish. probably hold another 3-5 years. A-/A
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
8/30/2015 - hayleyfrances Likes this wine: 85 Points
Smooth finish. Tart cherry flavor
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/18/2015 - wwarren wrote: 83 Points
This wine was a surprise and a disappointment to me. The surprise is that a Zinfandel-Cabernet blend could have the color a lighter Pinot Noir, the body of a lighter Pinot Noir, and would be light on tannins. The disappointment was (1) this was not what I expected or wanted when I served it, and (2) that it did not have the acidity of that I would want from a Pinot/Burgundy. I agree with ALEXHOP when he wrote, "nose that is quite elegant. Flavors are a bit austere with medium fruit but also shoe leather and slightly rough balance. Nice long finish." Elegant is precisely the right word. I want to try this wine again when Elegant is what I want. I didn't notice the "good herbs [...] to which ALEXHOP referred, but I admit I wasn't in the mood. To readers of this review I say, KNOW WHAT YOU ARE OPENING. To the producers I say, it is fine that you produced a light bodied Zinfandel-Cabernet blend -- I contratulate you even -- but you should have mentioned on the back label where you mentioned the grapes or else you will have others responding as I did.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment