Rich & Dana's
Tasted Sunday, May 25, 2014 by AllRed with 577 views
The day for the annual Zinfandel retrospective had arrived, and once again Domino and I were invited to fill in a couple of the empty seats. The annual event featured a tasting of eight ten year old Zinfandels, blind, which the tasters ranked first through eighth. A couple of years ago the format changed slightly, and now features a five year retrospective, although our hosts had a little fun and switched things up this year as well. This year we tasted not eight, but twelve Zinfandels in two flights of six. Votes for the flights were tallied separately and the wines' identity revealed after each flight. We had twelve tasters for this year's event.
These were served nonblind with light hors d'oeuvres prior to the blind Zin tasting. Entertainment was provided by a very tame wild turkey hen who had been visiting R&D's bird feeders, located just a few feet from the three seasons room in which we enjoyed the warm ups.
The tasters knew these were 2009 Zinfandels, nothing more. I suppose in looking at the points in each flight, the Biale Old Kraft could be considered the overall winner with 25 points, as no other wines, including those in the next flight, scored as well.
Our host threw us a curve ball this year, including this flight of ten year olds.
One of the attendees brought a blind dinner wine, and I am very glad that he did. This drank WELL above its label and price tag. I guessed Sonoma Coast Pinot in the $30 range, others were guessing Russian River/Sonoma, etc., and I think we all thought it was priced much, much higher.
Brought by the attendees, enjoyed nonblind with smoked brisket & slaw, and a wonderful banana-based cake for dessert.
This is always a fun event which we are happy to be able to attend. Thank you R&D for hosting and inviting us.
2010 Lewis Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 90 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Pale color with citrus- grapefruit and lemon- aromas and a subtle grassy overtone. Good acidity with citrus and crushed stone flavors. Excellent.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2010 Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Reserve 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Deep yellow color with notes of banana and tropical fruit with nice toasty undertones. Rich texture with orchard and tropical fruit, toast and vanilla flavors. Long finish.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2004 Ridge Zinfandel Carmichael Ranch 88 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County
Garnet core with just a little bricking. Slightly ripe and pruny on the bouquet. Red berries, ripe dark fruit, pepper and boysenberry flavors. Ripe fruit on the finish.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2004 Ridge Mazzoni Home Ranch 89 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County
As with the Carmichael, a deep core with slight bricking at the meniscus. Dark fruit aromas, spice and just a hint of raisin. Red and dark fruits mix on the palate with a nice peppery finish.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue