June 23, 2020 - grassy (maybe tobacco), high alc, light and tannic
February 15, 2020 - California Zinfandel can age. 2007 Chateau Montelena Zinfandel The Montelena Estate (purchased in a bundle of older wines at a charity auction, about $35). Light-mid brick, amber edges; wood, bramble, cedar and berry nose; mid-body; balanced; softening; nice style; long semi-chewy berry finish. w/beef. 16.5 UC Davis scale, 91 other scales (the 2010 scored 16/90).
February 21, 2017 - Raspberry, mint, pepper, red berry and vanilla notes. On the palate there is brambly black raspberry and pepper qualities. Has an elegance to it.
December 22, 2015 - Retail $40. Big and rich on the nose with depth and intrigue. On the palate? A bit (but only based on the nose) of a disappointment as it was more austere than indicated by the nose. I am a little torn by this wine: had the nose been more reserved, I would be all in, but the nose promises a bigger wine than the palate delivers. Still. Very Good to Outstanding. thedrunkencyclist.com
December 21, 2015 - light
November 29, 2015 - needed time to breathe. once opened it was ripe cherries -- lovely round mouth
July 4, 2015 - Color was clear dark red. Blackberry, pepper on the nose. A little thin on the palate. No finish
April 22, 2015 - Found it a bit flabby. Sweet fruit swamping any tannin or acid. Not my type of zin. I want tension and power. Back to Ridge for me.
December 30, 2014 - After 5 mins in the glass, this softened a bit. Still feels hot and the fruit doesn't quite measure up to the alcohol, but better than the last bottle.
November 7, 2014 - no balance, a little odor of corked. Too much acid.