A California (mostly Sonoma) Christmas. My oh my! Its been a while since I've posted but the wines served today for Christmas, all California, were stunning and spectacular and deserve a mention in tasting history. 2014 Bacigalupi Chardonnay. Unbelievable. Rich California sun with layers of honey, vanilla slathered appricots and lemons with a finish that went on forever. It is time to drink this. 98-99 points 2015 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel. Are you kidding me. Rich Concentrated jammy fruit with raspberry, blackberries, pepper and an everlasting finish. 98-99 points. 1993 Ridge California Zinfandel Essence.The color betrayed its age and I hesitated and then tasted. Glorious, jammy fruit, sweet and rich but not cloying. Light body. Very long, delicious finish. Exactly what I want in a dessert wine. Spectacular. Neither the Riussec or the d'Yqem beat this. 100 points. This is dessert wine at its best and why it's been in my cellar for almost 30 years. These wines were terrific when I bought and cellared them They are spectacular now.
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Elders @ Eric's: Smells and tastes like a confiture of flame raisins with some cocoa thrown in. It's delicious and I don't know why these never seem cloying or overdone. One of the most impressive aspects of Draper's touch IMO.
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12/25/2023 - In vino potestus est wrote: 100 Points
A California (mostly Sonoma) Christmas. My oh my!
Its been a while since I've posted but the wines served today for Christmas, all California, were stunning and spectacular and deserve a mention in tasting history.
2014 Bacigalupi Chardonnay. Unbelievable. Rich California sun with layers of honey, vanilla slathered appricots and lemons with a finish that went on forever. It is time to drink this. 98-99 points
2015 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel. Are you kidding me. Rich Concentrated jammy fruit with raspberry, blackberries, pepper and an everlasting finish. 98-99 points.
1993 Ridge California Zinfandel Essence.The color betrayed its age and I hesitated and then tasted. Glorious, jammy fruit, sweet and rich but not cloying. Light body. Very long, delicious finish. Exactly what I want in a dessert wine. Spectacular. Neither the Riussec or the d'Yqem beat this. 100 points. This is dessert wine at its best and why it's been in my cellar for almost 30 years.
These wines were terrific when I bought and cellared them They are spectacular now.
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1/30/2022 - andtheodor wrote: 93 Points
Elders @ Eric's: Smells and tastes like a confiture of flame raisins with some cocoa thrown in. It's delicious and I don't know why these never seem cloying or overdone. One of the most impressive aspects of Draper's touch IMO.
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9/1/2017 - AllRed wrote: 93 Points
Zinfandels Ten or Older (Gen Hoe, Geneva): From 375ml. Plummy, but not overly ripe/sweet. Raspberry and walnut liqueur qualities with a long finish. Excellent.
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2/9/2010 - Cheryl wrote:
February 2010 Tasting - Zinfandel (NYC Tasting Group - John's Home): Honeyed apricot and peaches, not overly sweet.
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12/23/2000 - buckeye76 wrote: 92 Points
MINT, INTENSE DRIED FRUIT, AND PEPPER IN THE AROMA. INCREDIBLY RICH FRUIT IN THE FLAVOR. MEDIUM TO LONG FINISH. CONSISTENT NOTES.
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