Blind Zinfandels

All wines were press samples, tasted blind.

• 2010 Wine Guerrilla Zinfandel Conte Vineyard 86 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  (2/3/2013)

  Aromas of bright raspberry, candied plums, green leaves and some cracked pepper. The palate shows cherry jam, raspberry sauce, some dark molasses and caramel notes. Sweet and rich but still tangy.

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• 2010 Wine Guerrilla Zinfandel WG Sonoma Block E44 Monte Rosso 88 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley

  (2/5/2013)

  Brandied plums and wild raspberries on the nose, accented with a note of cinnamon-sugar It picks up speed on the palate, with snappy red fruit and a surprising bit of fresh acid. Tangy and sleek, but there’s also some black pepper and cinnamon-spice notes that add complexity. Nice sour cherry and menthol kick comes out on the finish.

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• 2010 Wine Guerrilla Zinfandel Cypress Block Mounts Vineyard 90 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

  (2/5/2013)

  The fresh raspberry and blackberry aromas are mixed with these smoky, dusty notes, and the combination is quite nice. Hints of cedar on the nose as well. Dry tannins, medium acid and lots of rich red and black fruit. The cedar, pine resin and forest floor flavors are complex and really tasty. Very intense concentration in this zinfandel, but it’s not alcoholic or goopy at all. Wow, this has a lot going for it, and could stand a few years in the cellar.

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• 2008 Saxon-Brown Zinfandel Stonewall Block Parmelee-Hill 90 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley

  (2/3/2013)

  This wine is by no means bashful on the nose: an explosion of blackberries, juicy plums and a coconut and sweet alcohol aroma that reminds me of bourbon. Full-bodied, almost like glycerin in its palate-coating feel, with chewy tannins, but enough acid that it's really fresh. This zin focuses much more on the darker end of the fruit spectrum, showing mostly blueberry and blackberry fruit. The concentration is impressive, but so is the balance. Toast, charcoal, spicy paprika and pepper notes carry the finish. This is a serious zinfandel that could benefit from a few years of aging.

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• 2008 Peltier Station Zinfandel 87 Points

  USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi

  (2/3/2013)

  The nose is strong and full of red licorice, wild cherry and potpourri. The palate shows very fine tannins and medium acid. The juicy raspberry and strawberry flavors are beefed up by a solid dose of oak and hints of peppery spice. Dried floral flavors linger onto the finish along with a very distinct flavor of incense sticks. Even though this is toasty, the wine as a whole never tastes overbearing.

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• 2009 McCay Cellars Zinfandel Jupiter 88 Points

  USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi

  (2/3/2013)

  Aromas of red plums, black cherry, some caramel and red licorice candies. The palate shows bright cherries and raspberries along with soft and creamy tannins. Rich and full of fruit, but displaying surprising freshness. Notes of root beer and red pepper jam come out with time. A caramel and vanilla note carries the finish.

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• 2009 McCay Cellars Zinfandel Truluck's 91 Points

  USA, California, Central Valley, Lodi

  (2/4/2013)

  Red licorice, bright cherry and vanilla aromas leap out of the glass, and there’s also this interesting note of worn leather that adds another level of complexity. Firm, grippy tannins and fresh acid for structure. A medley of strawberry, raspberry and blackberry fruit glides over the palate. It’s all rounded out by (not dominated by) hazelnut and toasted oak. The sweet red fruit mixes really well with this earthy and leathery aspect. The finish is really long and pure. Impressive stuff, and I can’t stop thinking that this wine just tastes hand-made, in the best sense of the word. This single-vineyard zinfandel was aged 26 months in French oak, 21% new, and it's integrated wonderfully.

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• 2009 Grgich Hills Zinfandel 89 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (2/4/2013)

  Deep and alluring aromas of blackberry and raspberry jam, along with some rose petals and sweet chocolate. Firm tannins and medium acid provide solid structure to support the gobs of red plum, raspberry and blackberry fruit. Secondary flavors of toast, graphite and tobacco leaf add complexity. Big and viscous, but not at all overbearing. From the attack to the long, creamy finish, this is a pure pleasure to drink. Another zin that could last easily for two or three years. Co-fermented with 2% petite sirah.

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• 2010 Bonterra Vineyards Zinfandel 85 Points

  USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County

  (2/5/2013)

  Interesting mix of aromas: raspberry jam, Maraschino cherries, roses, all fresh and bright. Really juicy on the palate, showing lots of strawberry and blood orange fruit. Medium-to-low acid, and the tannins have a bit of an astringency to them. Some sugar cane and caramel flavors last onto the finish with just a hint of earth. A juicy, easy-drinking style.

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