November 9, 2020 - Smooth, port like, in a great space now
September 6, 2018 - Tasty, nice finish, but very simple. Not much more interest than a basic tawny with a Zin-tinged nose and even more candies cherry. I had hope that age would have brought some virtue.
June 22, 2017 - disappointing
October 23, 2016 - Maybe at an in between stage, or maybe fading. No formal notes, and this was the last of many bottles in an epic evening, so judgement deferred. Seemed subdued.
February 16, 2014 - EWG at AKA: Fun, rich dark fruited port-style. Didn't rock my world, but in balance, some blackberry zin fruit with a hint of herbal blackberry patch.
June 2, 2011 - quite sweet and quite hot.
February 25, 2011 - Still showing a lot of youthful brashness. I'm thinking we'll keep our other bottle for a while longer. Delicious with our chocolate soufflé cake!
November 16, 2010 - Excellent, really. Deep, sappy, fairly sweet, briary, varietally correct late harvest Zinfandel. Superb with locally made chocolate torte. Minimal heat, but high, well-hidden alcohol. Went quickly, and this half-bottle was perfect for six with dessert. Another 10 year+? Would be interesting to watch it evolve - it is just coming out of primary. Could be extraordinary in 30 years? Much better (more balanced) than the 2001. 92+ pts.
October 9, 2010 - This was served to me blind from a half bottle. Deep dark purple. Fascinating nose of maple syrup, spice cake, crushed blackberries. Very thick and full bodied, with obvious alcohol throughout, but balanced and concentrated with beautiful plum and chocolate covered cherry flavors. I could tell this was not a vintage port, and guessed some sort of late harvest Aussie shiraz. It was obviously new world but an excellent example of an aged Zin. This was their first vintage of this wine.
November 27, 2009 - Had with a big slice of chocolate cake. Nice pairing but wish some of the Roaring 40s blue cheese was left by the time we got to this. Very port like with raisins and cherries on the nose and a tart cherry flavor. As it sat in the glass, I got more of the alcohol but it wasn't in the way. I'd agree that the price paid was too high but I paid for it so long ago, I guess it doesn't matter...