March 29, 2021 - This smacks of wood on the nose. The fruit is less than robust. It's still bright and fresh giving a strong Zinberry note on the nose. The palate is light bodied and red fruited. The structure or build of that fruit is less substantial than other vintages around it which tracks with what I remember about the other '08 Zins. The acidity is terrific as is often the case with the Jimsomare Zins. That wood kind of integrates with air but then becomes stronger over night. Instead of integrating with further cellaring I have to think the fruit just isn't dense enough to combat it. It's ok but you need to be less than judgmental and let it ride.
October 21, 2017 - A few bottles consumed this last year with huge variability. This was elegant, balanced, black fruit, prune, a hint of dill. Medium body. A very nice wine. Mature.
May 16, 2016 - 14.3% abv. Medium dark ruby with moderately expressive aromas. Black cherry, raspberry and bramble on the palate. Excellent depth and delineation. Just now losing that rustic edge and moving into what should prove to be a long and very enjoyable drinking window.
December 16, 2015 - Rich scents of brown sugar, Zin funk, rhubarb and blueberry rise from the glass. Blueberry - ugh; it just isn’t what I want in a wine. The color is a deep blood-red. Maybe the palate delivers? Unfortunately, no; it tracks the bouquet quite well. The mouthfeel, however, is thin. The acid and alcohol are both out of balance. The finish is short. All in all, a disappointing wine. 100% Zin from the Monte Bello vineyard. Perhaps because of its source, expectations were set too high. Sediment has collected around the shoulder of the bottle. 14.3% alc. With pork BBQ from the BBQ Exchange. Recommended with reservations, but leaning heavily toward Not Recommended.
April 11, 2015 - Drinking well. Relatively full bodied with a bit of heat at the end.
January 11, 2015 - A bit thinner than other vintages I've had. Good, but doesn't have the stuffing for the real long term.
July 23, 2014 - 14.3% alcohol. Medium dark ruby red. Attractive and expressive red and black fruit aromas. On the palate, black cherry, sage and emerging secondary notes. Very well mannered at this point in time. Not sure if this wine will continue to improve with aging.
April 28, 2014 - Pnp. Started dry and woody. After time was very good with chocolate and cherry. Might improve more with time.
April 5, 2014 - Overall enjoyable, but hampered by a bit of medicinal taste and bit much on the acidity. Nice red fruit with an underlay of earth and must that made it be "grounded".
March 15, 2013 - Fresh fruits. Not as well layered and structured as I'd hope. Still enjoyable.