A Personal Visit to Sausal Winery 1/27/2011

On my third day in California wine country with dear friends Dr. Forest Evans, and his wife Dr. Jennifer Root, our first stop this Thursday morning was at an old friend, Sausal Winery. They are unashamed producers of Zinfandel with their own style. The ranch and winery has been in the same family for over 50 years. They don't make wine to please the critics. They are relatively under priced. We did not get a chance to taste their Sangiovese, or Carrignan which I have enjoyed in previous visits.

• NV Sausal Winery Zinfandel Cellar Cats Red 89 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  So here we have a winery so secure with itself, because of their all estate grown, nothing under 50 year old vines, putting together a non vintage Zinfandel that no one rates under 89 points. On top of that, it sells for only $13 at the winery, I doubt very much makes it out to distribution. This is not your average every day entry level Zin. It is a little clear in color, but somewhat like a Pinot Noir, you can't judge the wine by it's color. It is not designed to be rich and creamy, more on the elegant side. It brings us Zin lovers the true boysenberry, bramble fruit in an easy drinking style. Perfectly balanced. Little or no oak, not much needed. Fruity finish.

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• 2007 Sausal Winery Zinfandel Family 89 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  This is one of those wineries whose entry level estate Zinfandel is made from 50 year old vines. They have other estate Zinfandel vines up to 130 years old. This is a family winery that has long been a favorite of myself, my family, and a very diverse number of friends. This estate is right in the middle of Cabernet country in Alexander Valley. I suspect if they were planting today, Cabernet would be by far the majority of their plantings. As it is, we, the public get to really enjoy some well made, very ripe, but still balanced and civilized Zinfandels. This one is a pretty good balance of that concentrated old vine intensity, and bright, pure dark brambly fruit. Pretty heavy in the mouth for a Zin, possibly from the influence of oak. Layered blackberry, cherry, and red raspberry fruit. Nice alcohol integration, which may be helped by the couple of years in the bottle. Typical, long,fruity Zinfandel finish.

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• 2007 Sausal Winery Zinfandel Private Reserve 90 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  Everything we could expect from 90 year old vines, farmed by the same family for generations, in a place know for ripe, fruit forward wines. There is almost the sense of terroir in this wine. We might be able to attach these flavors to this particular piece of property. Old viney super concentrated color and flavor. Still medium bodied and elegant. Great blue fruit, with a touch of ripe plum. Smells like a mulberry tree that is dropping it's fruit on the ground. Sneaky acidity, that with some of those small berry, old vine tannins help integrate the alcohol. Seamless, ready to drink. Fruity finish.

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• 2007 Sausal Winery Zinfandel Century Vines 91 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  Been visiting this winery on an almost yearly basis since the mid 90's. Even though they are in the middle of the Alexander Valley Cabernet heaven, they are unashamed Zinfandel producers. I guess that owning some dry farmed, 130 year old vines might have something to do with that decision. Their style, of basically bringing us the flavors and aromas from the grapes, with minimal manipulation, is such they don't get get huge accolades from the pundits.They don't need it.The estate has been in the same family for around 50 years. The most expensive wine is $40. This wine has always been delightful, and the 2007 may be even a little more fruity,concentrated, complete, and integrated than usual. It looks and smells like old vine Zin. There is that concentrated, spicy, brambly, baked raspberry and blackberry fruit. Nice touch with the oak. 2007 is well known for the balance and seamless integration of acid and alcohol, this wine is no exception. Has that taste of melted red licorice on the finish with a slight, dry tannin minerality.

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• 2005 Sausal Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 87 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley

  It is always interesting to taste Cabernet Sauvignon from a known Zinfandel-centric producer. These grapes are so different in temperament and handling; Zin being thin skinned and very giving, Cabernet being thick skinned, tight, and very unforgiving. Sausal probably has almost perfect Cabernet growing terroir, so we expect good grapes. Their Cabernet wine making style, brings us a rather distinctive, slightly lighter, more herbaceous tasting wine. Instead of being over the top, in your face fruit forward, this one has some of those other flavor and aroma profiles. Yes, there is a slight green bell pepper flavor, but there is also a very interesting dill, leather, and brown spice. Maybe a little light in color. Nice hint of flowers on the nose, with some herbs. Red raspberry, blackberry, and black currant fruit. Big hint of vanilla from some pretty heavy duty oak. Plenty of tannins. There is a nice menthol and coffee bean taste with the fruit on the finish.

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