September 8, 2021 - I see on the other notes here that many seem to be past their prime, but that wasn't at all the case with the one I had when visiting with winemaker Tegan. Don't think he was the winemaker when this was made, that might have been Ehren Jordan then - but this wine showed amazing (that fortnight ago). Sure, you could tell it had some age on it, but it was wonderfully integrated and feminine. No specific notes as it's been awhile, just an amazing Lodi Zin made by a great producer.
April 13, 2020 - It’s done for. Nose has dissipated and the fruit on the palate has dwindled. What’s left is overpowered by alcohol, acidity, and mushrooms.
March 24, 2017 - From memory:
From a Magnum, opened and aired our for 3+ hours, initial impression of stewed fruit with hint of alcohol heat. Wine opened up ok with air and was enjoyed at a restaurant , last bit of the bottle was very dark and murky.
July 14, 2016 - Fully mature sweet black plum with cocoa and plenty of earth notes. I expected it to be a bit fresher despite being almost 20 yo.
August 22, 2012 - Magnum Madness (Salade de Fruits): From magnum. Though most of the fruit has faded, there was some sweet fruit on the nose but nothing too interesting. On the palate the glossy/baby fat fruit is gone but the sweetness still remains. The alcohol and structure also remains in full force so there’s very little balance here. Although more drinkable than the Switchback Ridge, I still don’t understand the appeal of wines like this. Drinkable.
February 27, 2012 - Dark red. Nice raspberry fruit and almond nose. Very nice balanced developed red fruit flavours. A nice long still tannic finish. As good as the Contra Costa and much better then the Old Vines.
March 26, 2011 - Tasted from Magnum.
nose - raisin, chocolate, chocolate syrup
mouth - chocolate, cocoa liquer, per brian raspberry syrup. uberrich, desertesque, and not refreshing. not my style.
February 18, 2011 - Not rated. The waiter broke the cork & without asking decanted through a coffee filter. Bummer! I am guessing not totally over the hill but drink up. On the edge.
September 13, 2010 - Drink now - wine is still fine - as they say, an old zin tastes like an old cab. This was still very enjoyable - raiseny nose, but plenty of character left. Enjoy with a 1997 Cosentino Poet (meritage wine). I preferred the Poet, dad preferred the Dogtown.
June 10, 2010 - Tired, fading fruit. It's still drinkable but lacks energy and expression.