Big difference a decade will make! Smoothed out, more complexity in the undertones, with dark fruit, leather and oak. Some spice, with still a solid finish. Drinking well now
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
In a good spot right now. A little less fruit and a little more spice than before. Well integrated and still smooth overall, with moderate velvety tannins and a medium finish. Drank this over 8 days (vacu-vin'd between pours) and it held up nicely. Some sediment, as expected. My love of Scott Harvey wines began with InZIN and it's still one of my faves.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Drank over three hours with a crowd at Thanksgiving dinner from a 3 liter bottle. Although I haven't had this vintage before, I'm sure this has benefited significantly from several years in the bottle. It's now not very zin-like, but is a mellow, smooth, surprisingly complex drink with a nice aged quality. The port is very subtle but adds a nice high note. Very enjoyable, and a good QPR at $80 for a 3 liter jeroboam.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted for about an hour. Very jammy and full bodied. The original port sweetness toned down significantly with time. Paired well with a fruity-spicy pork loin.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
On the nose the port notes come right through giving hints of what the wine is, not a traditional Zin. Swirling to open the bouquet shows up alcohol, cherry and cola like aroma's. Tasting this on day two, day one was bit tight and hot. Now its opened up and there is some heat still but not unbalanced or overwhelming. As with another taster, finding some bright light cherry flavor with nutmeg and finish of black pepper and sweetness. Definitely a wine one should decant or hold for another few years before opening. Port is still a bit strong and time will give it more integration.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Classic Cali zin. A bit fruit bomb, but restrained without the huge alcohol that some get. Actually has a little tannin to balance, with that hint of port like raisin at the end.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This just kept getting better over the three days I was drinking it. First day pnp through the Vinturi was still a little tight, too much port coming through on the mid-palate, a little hot tasting, but still nice fruit and a good strong finish. By the third day the port mellowed a little and this wine balanced perfectly. Nice bright cherry flavor with some soft baking spices and a slight pepper touch finishes with a slight sweet note and rounds out with a little acid. I think some more time in the bottle might make this wine even better, as it is seems like the port may not quite be fully integrated. Next time I will open a while ahead or decant for a bit.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Garnet-red. Cherry candy, pepper, and carmelized sugar nose. Medium bodied, over-baked rhubarb pie, toasted oak, some grainy tannins, dark chocolate, and a short sweet finish. A little of this goes a long way with me.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
This wine is drinking well now. The forte has incorporated fully and has developed nicely overall; off-dry, light tannins, fruit forward, enough acidity to hold structure. It isn't the spicy zin I'm use to, but it does have hints of spice. Notes of strawberry jam and berries
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
very fruity nose; a little sweet; raisins; tangy; not quite as good as I remember. However, 1/2 of bottle sat on counter for 2 days with cork in. After sitting for two days, sublime! Wow! Anise and other flavors present and evolving sip to sip.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Uncorked a MAGNUM to share with a couple of friends on 4th of July during dinner and the after dinner fireworks show, and it was terrific! Nice red fruit, almost like chocolate-covered cherries like merryberry noted, along with light jam, and very light spice. Really couldn't descern any port, overall it was a very enjoyable zin. Glad I have three more magnums, it's great to share with guests.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Inky ruby. Red fruit and spice fight to break through the port-dominated nose. Unsuccessfully. Medium bodied, rich, chocolate-covered cherries, cedar, a touch of pepper, and a dry yet sweet medium length finish. A good party wine, and thankfully it doesn't have the overwhelmingly cloy sweetness of the 2006, but I don't think I'll be buying any more of this brand. When I want a port, I'll have a port. When I want a Zin, I'll have a Zin. This is neither.
Seems to be slightly corked. It's not bad, per se, but it doesn't have the strong fruit I expect from this wine. The sweetness is still there, but the aromas and flavours are kind of astringent instead of lush. With a few minutes of air it seems to be getting better, but I think this is a partly corked bottle.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
At first the port nose is off-putting as you think it will taste like port and not a typical Zin. But with air, the Zin begins to predominate. A very interesting Zin/Port mix.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
It is a beautiful garnet with deep color. The nose is all port but on the palate it shines as a zin should. Lots of dark fruit and very concentrated, it coats the mouth. Highly recommended.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Can definitely taste and smell the added port, much more than Scott's other wines that have a kick of port in them. It's a pleasant wine, nothing too complex. A bit of heat initially, but it seems to be blowing off after a few minutes. I'm getting mostly berries and a hint of spice of some sort along with the port. I'd prefer it even drier, but it's a good wine for just sitting around and drinking. The acid does keep it balanced even with the perceptible residual sugar.
Very good with pizza. Not as good without food, A little sweet.Missing something on the finish. Not a typical Cali zin but I don't think it's trying to be one.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Color: Garnet, purplish red. Deeply colored but not opaque
Nose: Boysenberry and blackberry, a bit of alcohol
Flavor: Bright fruit burst, blackberries, but not too tart. A little brown spice in the middle and some lingering tannins on the end. An impression of sweetness. Medium-Medium heavy body
I like this one better than I remember my last bottle and more like my first (change of taste?) but it may score lower as my palate has become a bit more discerning
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Well-made zin. Popular style, with a little off-dry notes from some port added. Let it open up for 30-60 minutes and people love it. Not the world's most complex wine, but it has a lot more complexity, and good fruit than many other wines in its price range.
Tastes if Zin with bright fruits and some dark notes. Will keep for a few years if you want, but good for drinking young too!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Sweet, jammy, flavors of prunes and dark berries. Too sweet for me. I am usually a huge zin fan but this one lacks the depth, and little/no tannins discernable. It wasn't bad with a very basic meal, but didn't enjoy sipping it afterward by itself like I do with most wines.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
One of my favorites - was superb with bbq ribs. I always aerate and decant my red wines, and this wine improves substantially with at least a one-hour decant. Even better the next day.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
smells hot (alcohol) but very fruity, tart; very strong smelling, jammy; raspberry, casis on nose, cinnamon. Surprisingly smooth, interesting finish - explosion of flavor that disappears abruptly. Can definitely smell the port. This is a very good easy-drinking wine. A pass through the vinturi made it bitter and tough to drink.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Hot upon opening, but decanted for 2 hours and nicely mellowed. Nice fruit, but not too fruit forward. Specifically cherries and red ripe fruits. Nutmeg and tannins play well with mid-palalet. Port also notable from mid-palate to finish. Overall a wonderful after dinner wine well enjoyed by an open fire.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This has been resting in my cellar for a few weeks - we opened last night and man did we enjoy this wine. Better than when I lab Ratted for Woot. Just has a great slky smooth round feeling in your mouth, alcohol vanished quickly. Gave my wife a glass and her first impression was oooooh - this is awesome. Some might consider this a fruit bomb or possibly fruit forward - there is a lot of it but it all works. This is one of my favorite wines to smell as it fills the nasal cavities with a full rich aroma of dark sweet fruit, subtle pepper, and apossibly a bit of coffee or chocolate. We both detected a bit of the Port but the wine is not sweet just has a titch of port on the back end. I wish I had purchased more when I had the Chance - missed it on the woot off as well!!! Def one of our favorites and the QPR is outstanding! Very highly recommended
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark red. Nose of spice, smokey wood and raspberry puree. Medium bodied, smooth entrance of cranberries and cherries, nutmeggy spice kicks in, cherries keep on coming, a little heat, dry but light tannins, and a medium finish. Definite port-like qualities, but they are well under control. A good wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A little sweet, the forte in the blend really shows through there. It's not overly simple though, and is enjoyable through multiple glasses. It's a definite crowd pleaser and my wife is a huge fan as this falls right into her realm for fruit driven zins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Interesting that another member said this wine was bitter. I think it's one of the best zins I've had in a long time. Bought from wine.woot.com at a very attractive price, I was actually surprised at how polished this wine is. I didn't drink any straight out of the bottle, but decanted for an hour before the first taste. It was also aerated while pouring into the decanter. Excellent the first day and actually superb the next. Not as spicy as some zinfandels, but was excellent with grilled strip steaks, then lasagna the next night. It's also great to drink without food. I will definitely buy more...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Fun. A tad sweeter than I like my Zinfandels, but certainly an accessible red to be opened and poured among casual wine drinkers. Which is, to be fair, what this wine is targeting. Juicy and fruity, if you like tannins and spice in your Zinfandel this isn't for you. But it's certainly not a bad QPR (if not an extraordinary one), and I'm confident of it as a crowd pleaser.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Scott Harvey 2007 InZINerator - 4 Pack Lab Rat Report on wine.woot.com Lab Rat bottle arrived in Texas around 1 pm. Cool to the touch upon opening the fed ex package. Put the bottle in the wine fridge for a couple of hours then couldn’t wait any longer. I tasted the wine three ways – first I popped and poured (no swirl) then poured through a rabbit, and finally poured through a rabbit into a crystal decanter. Upon opening I immediately smelled dark fruits & jam – it made my mouth water. I will be using the UC Davis Scoring. Appearance (2 points possible) - I found the wine to be clear and the light did flash with light reflections. MY SCORE – 2 points Color (2 points possible) – Found the color to be a medium deep purple - it seemed to be more of a Pinot Noir tilt (slight transparency) than a Zin so I docked a point (Sorry Scott!!) MY SCORE – 1 Point Aroma & Bouquet (4 points possible) – Upon 1st pour (pop & pour no swirl) found the wine to be a bit tightly wound but after a few swirls the Bouquet began to open nicely. Detected a bit of spice and possibly a little heat at first taste but that went away especially after a pour through the rabbit. I wouldn’t call this a fruit bomb (at least by my terms but I did detect what I would call grape jelly from both the Aroma & Bouquet). I would rate the intensity as medium and I must say that as the wine was poured from the decanter it really spread its wings. Remember here that I am not an expert but also got rich chocolate on the nose & the jammyness has really mellowed, A little syrah spice comes through as well. I still get a little heat in the background but it is way in the back. I wish my nose was more educated so I could describe this properly but there is something in the nose I LOVE – a full rich smell that hits my nasal cavities and just screams dark fruits – it is a relaxing fulfilling smell! MY SCORE 3 Points Volatile Acidity (2 points possible) – No vinegar smell whatsoever MY SCORE – 2 Points Total Acidity (2 points possible) – Felt the acidity around the edges of my tounge – it was sharp maybe just a bit of bitterness but really nice MY SCORE – 1 Point Sweetness/Sugar (1 point possible) – Not overly dry or sweet – If I had to make a call here I would say a 6.5 to 7 on a 10 point scale of 1 being really sweet and 10 being really dry. At first I believe I detected a slight Port sweetness at the back of the tongue before swallowing but that too over the last couple of hours mellowed and blended nicely. This is my first time trying the InZin but I did read comments that the 2006 was too sweet – I didn’t find that to be the case here - possibly a little sweeter than some zins I have had but hey- this isn't a true Zin right?? MY SCORE – 1 Point Body (1 point possible) – The mouth feel of this wine is what I would call full and velvety – The acidity of the wine does show through on the tounge. I get a little alcohol but the heat is not nearly as present as some of the blends I have tried. Because the wine has evolved so much in just the last couple of hours I have to believe that this will become more subtle over time – I am getting a little alcohol on the roof of my mouth (I think that’s alcohol – remember not an expert here) but it isn’t offensive – just there in a way that can be slightly detected. MY SCORE – 1 Point Flavor (1 point possible) – The flavor corresponds almost perfectly with the bouquet and aroma – it is very well balanced and I found no offensive characters MY SCORE – 1 Point Astringency (2points possible) – Tannins were definitely detected but something seemed to mellow out the bitterness – I can guess (a not very well educated guess mind you) this will only make the wine better with a year or 2 in the bottle. Don’t get me wrong – it is ready to drink now but my comment here is that I believe it can even get better as the tannins are predominate on the finish (or was that alcohol heat??? Wish I knew for sure!! MY SCORE – 1 POINT General Quality (2 points possible) – I have to tell you that I now know what all the buzz has been about regarding Scott Harvey wines – I loved this juice. It is relaxing, mellowing, sexy and just plain fun to drink. I believe it would pair great with any pizza or pasta dish (begs for Marinara Sauce) – I drank it by itself and really liked it a lot. Is it as complex as a 95 point Zin – no – is it now one of my favorite under $20’s – HELL YES!– 1 Point
TOTAL SCORE – 15 Points
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
1/7/2024 - HWgeek Likes this wine: 91 Points
Big difference a decade will make! Smoothed out, more complexity in the undertones, with dark fruit, leather and oak. Some spice, with still a solid finish. Drinking well now
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/25/2019 - boatman72 Likes this wine:
Nicely integrated. Nice fruit and spice! Still has life left. Drank over three days. Refer to Chipgreen's comments that I agree with!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/9/2016 - ChipGreen wrote:
In a good spot right now. A little less fruit and a little more spice than before. Well integrated and still smooth overall, with moderate velvety tannins and a medium finish.
Drank this over 8 days (vacu-vin'd between pours) and it held up nicely. Some sediment, as expected. My love of Scott Harvey wines began with InZIN and it's still one of my faves.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/10/2016 - VoiceofC Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking really nice right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/2/2015 - VoiceofC Likes this wine:
Shared with 6 others at a Shakespeare in Delaware PArk fund-raiser. Everyone loved it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/27/2014 - blakel Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drank over three hours with a crowd at Thanksgiving dinner from a 3 liter bottle. Although I haven't had this vintage before, I'm sure this has benefited significantly from several years in the bottle. It's now not very zin-like, but is a mellow, smooth, surprisingly complex drink with a nice aged quality. The port is very subtle but adds a nice high note. Very enjoyable, and a good QPR at $80 for a 3 liter jeroboam.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/12/2014 - hcnate Likes this wine: 88 Points
Decanted for about an hour. Very jammy and full bodied. The original port sweetness toned down significantly with time. Paired well with a fruity-spicy pork loin.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/22/2013 - ssoard wrote: 90 Points
Much improved over first bottle. Very enjoyable zin.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/19/2013 - HWgeek Likes this wine: 90 Points
On the nose the port notes come right through giving hints of what the wine is, not a traditional Zin. Swirling to open the bouquet shows up alcohol, cherry and cola like aroma's. Tasting this on day two, day one was bit tight and hot. Now its opened up and there is some heat still but not unbalanced or overwhelming. As with another taster, finding some bright light cherry flavor with nutmeg and finish of black pepper and sweetness. Definitely a wine one should decant or hold for another few years before opening. Port is still a bit strong and time will give it more integration.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/11/2013 - Wicked Panda wrote:
Something off. Tried giving it time, but something was wrong with the fruit. Giving it time to air didn't help
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/22/2012 - richardhod Likes this wine: 86 Points
Rather sweet for me, but a bbq crowd-pleaser!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/28/2012 - Wicked Panda wrote: 88 Points
Classic Cali zin. A bit fruit bomb, but restrained without the huge alcohol that some get. Actually has a little tannin to balance, with that hint of port like raisin at the end.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/7/2012 - North316 wrote: 88 Points
This just kept getting better over the three days I was drinking it. First day pnp through the Vinturi was still a little tight, too much port coming through on the mid-palate, a little hot tasting, but still nice fruit and a good strong finish. By the third day the port mellowed a little and this wine balanced perfectly. Nice bright cherry flavor with some soft baking spices and a slight pepper touch finishes with a slight sweet note and rounds out with a little acid. I think some more time in the bottle might make this wine even better, as it is seems like the port may not quite be fully integrated. Next time I will open a while ahead or decant for a bit.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/23/2012 - Bill1100 wrote: 89 Points
Great with barbequed smoked chicken, spicy ranchero beans, slaw.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/8/2012 - nmachen wrote: 84 Points
Very nice with sweet BBQ ribs.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/14/2012 - merryberry wrote: 87 Points
Garnet-red. Cherry candy, pepper, and carmelized sugar nose. Medium bodied, over-baked rhubarb pie, toasted oak, some grainy tannins, dark chocolate, and a short sweet finish. A little of this goes a long way with me.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/25/2012 - adams828 wrote: 85 Points
Okay structure and flavors, but just too sweet for my taste. Seems like it may be a crowd pleaser however.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/17/2012 - Ajrod27 wrote: 87 Points
This wine is drinking well now. The forte has incorporated fully and has developed nicely overall; off-dry, light tannins, fruit forward, enough acidity to hold structure. It isn't the spicy zin I'm use to, but it does have hints of spice. Notes of strawberry jam and berries
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/10/2011 - Eigerdog wrote: 90 Points
Very nice. Lovely red fruit on the nose. Smooth and silky, balanced tannins with a lingering finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/31/2011 - klezman Likes this wine:
Good as per usual. A bit sweeter and more port character than I would prefer, but good on the whole.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
10/15/2011 - earuesch wrote: 86 Points
too sweet. didn't work with peppery steak. maybe a good pizza wine?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/4/2011 - richardhod wrote: 85 Points
Just too sweet for me, but it's good with sweeter BBQ sauces and BBQ meats. Fun, and balanced, and great fruit, but not my style.
Most people will LOVE This!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/2/2011 - hcnate wrote:
Strong fruit notes. Subtle spicy. Port element has mellowed. Looking forward to the next bottle in the future.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/28/2011 - discombobulated wrote:
very fruity nose; a little sweet; raisins; tangy; not quite as good as I remember. However, 1/2 of bottle sat on counter for 2 days with cork in. After sitting for two days, sublime! Wow! Anise and other flavors present and evolving sip to sip.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/7/2011 - Dirftmd wrote:
Dry and bitter, not enjoyable.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/10/2011 - bsevern wrote: 89 Points
Uncorked a MAGNUM to share with a couple of friends on 4th of July during dinner and the after dinner fireworks show, and it was terrific! Nice red fruit, almost like chocolate-covered cherries like merryberry noted, along with light jam, and very light spice. Really couldn't descern any port, overall it was a very enjoyable zin. Glad I have three more magnums, it's great to share with guests.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/10/2011 - klezman Likes this wine:
Seems slightly drier and less fruity than before, but still a tasty bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/8/2011 - BlackIce wrote: 87 Points
Consistently good. The Port adds a twist but a very drinkable Zin.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/5/2011 - merryberry wrote: 86 Points
Inky ruby. Red fruit and spice fight to break through the port-dominated nose. Unsuccessfully. Medium bodied, rich, chocolate-covered cherries, cedar, a touch of pepper, and a dry yet sweet medium length finish. A good party wine, and thankfully it doesn't have the overwhelmingly cloy sweetness of the 2006, but I don't think I'll be buying any more of this brand. When I want a port, I'll have a port. When I want a Zin, I'll have a Zin. This is neither.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (2)
4/22/2011 - klezman wrote: flawed
Seems to be slightly corked. It's not bad, per se, but it doesn't have the strong fruit I expect from this wine. The sweetness is still there, but the aromas and flavours are kind of astringent instead of lush. With a few minutes of air it seems to be getting better, but I think this is a partly corked bottle.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/14/2011 - BlackIce wrote: 86 Points
At first the port nose is off-putting as you think it will taste like port and not a typical Zin. But with air, the Zin begins to predominate. A very interesting Zin/Port mix.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
4/1/2011 - woodwardcellar wrote: 85 Points
A very good "after dinner" Zin.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/27/2011 - TottenCellars wrote:
It is a beautiful garnet with deep color.
The nose is all port but on the palate it shines as a zin should.
Lots of dark fruit and very concentrated, it coats the mouth.
Highly recommended.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/14/2011 - klezman wrote:
Can definitely taste and smell the added port, much more than Scott's other wines that have a kick of port in them. It's a pleasant wine, nothing too complex. A bit of heat initially, but it seems to be blowing off after a few minutes. I'm getting mostly berries and a hint of spice of some sort along with the port. I'd prefer it even drier, but it's a good wine for just sitting around and drinking. The acid does keep it balanced even with the perceptible residual sugar.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comments (1)
3/12/2011 - jhkey wrote:
a nice sweeter Zin, but the port nose is quite off-putting to me. I wish Scott had toned down the port even more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/11/2011 - costacasa wrote: 85 Points
Very good with pizza. Not as good without food, A little sweet.Missing something on the finish. Not a typical Cali zin but I don't think it's trying to be one.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/21/2011 - cmaldoon Likes this wine: 87 Points
Popped and Vinturi'd
Color: Garnet, purplish red. Deeply colored but not opaque
Nose: Boysenberry and blackberry, a bit of alcohol
Flavor: Bright fruit burst, blackberries, but not too tart. A little brown spice in the middle and some lingering tannins on the end. An impression of sweetness. Medium-Medium heavy body
I like this one better than I remember my last bottle and more like my first (change of taste?) but it may score lower as my palate has become a bit more discerning
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/16/2011 - RossR wrote: 90 Points
Yummy!! Complex and well integrated with lots of black fruit. A nice acid kick that paired it well with the spicy dnner I was preparing. Great QPR!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/15/2011 - richardhod Likes this wine: 88 Points
Well-made zin. Popular style, with a little off-dry notes from some port added. Let it open up for 30-60 minutes and people love it. Not the world's most complex wine, but it has a lot more complexity, and good fruit than many other wines in its price range.
Tastes if Zin with bright fruits and some dark notes. Will keep for a few years if you want, but good for drinking young too!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/1/2011 - Jcwelchfl wrote: 86 Points
Sweet, jammy, flavors of prunes and dark berries. Too sweet for me. I am usually a huge zin fan but this one lacks the depth, and little/no tannins discernable. It wasn't bad with a very basic meal, but didn't enjoy sipping it afterward by itself like I do with most wines.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/20/2011 - Presidio Wine Bunker wrote: 88 Points
Decant and enjoy this one with dinner. another great woot offering
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/23/2010 - Bill1100 wrote: 88 Points
One of my favorites - was superb with bbq ribs. I always aerate and decant my red wines, and this wine improves substantially with at least a one-hour decant. Even better the next day.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/10/2010 - discombobulated wrote:
smells hot (alcohol) but very fruity, tart; very strong smelling, jammy; raspberry, casis on nose, cinnamon. Surprisingly smooth, interesting finish - explosion of flavor that disappears abruptly. Can definitely smell the port. This is a very good easy-drinking wine. A pass through the vinturi made it bitter and tough to drink.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/5/2010 - mbmiche wrote: 88 Points
Yummy, Yummy, Yummy! Great drink alone wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/1/2010 - jsturdivant wrote: 88 Points
Hot upon opening, but decanted for 2 hours and nicely mellowed. Nice fruit, but not too fruit forward. Specifically cherries and red ripe fruits. Nutmeg and tannins play well with mid-palalet. Port also notable from mid-palate to finish. Overall a wonderful after dinner wine well enjoyed by an open fire.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/14/2010 - bryanjmatthews Likes this wine: 88 Points
Lots of fruit, slightly bitter. Nicely pleasant. Basically, this was a tasty, but average Zin.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/1/2010 - memksm1995@gmail.com wrote: 90 Points
This has been resting in my cellar for a few weeks - we opened last night and man did we enjoy this wine. Better than when I lab Ratted for Woot. Just has a great slky smooth round feeling in your mouth, alcohol vanished quickly. Gave my wife a glass and her first impression was oooooh - this is awesome. Some might consider this a fruit bomb or possibly fruit forward - there is a lot of it but it all works. This is one of my favorite wines to smell as it fills the nasal cavities with a full rich aroma of dark sweet fruit, subtle pepper, and apossibly a bit of coffee or chocolate. We both detected a bit of the Port but the wine is not sweet just has a titch of port on the back end. I wish I had purchased more when I had the Chance - missed it on the woot off as well!!! Def one of our favorites and the QPR is outstanding! Very highly recommended
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/22/2010 - merryberry wrote: 88 Points
Dark red. Nose of spice, smokey wood and raspberry puree. Medium bodied, smooth entrance of cranberries and cherries, nutmeggy spice kicks in, cherries keep on coming, a little heat, dry but light tannins, and a medium finish. Definite port-like qualities, but they are well under control. A good wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/18/2010 - Yodie402 wrote: 92 Points
As always. A favorite
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/17/2010 - Bill1100 wrote: 88 Points
Nothing different to add since my last note on 9/9/2010. Excellent zin - I'll buy it again.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/13/2010 - woodwardcellar wrote: 84 Points
A little sweet, the forte in the blend really shows through there. It's not overly simple though, and is enjoyable through multiple glasses. It's a definite crowd pleaser and my wife is a huge fan as this falls right into her realm for fruit driven zins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/9/2010 - Bill1100 wrote: 88 Points
Interesting that another member said this wine was bitter. I think it's one of the best zins I've had in a long time. Bought from wine.woot.com at a very attractive price, I was actually surprised at how polished this wine is. I didn't drink any straight out of the bottle, but decanted for an hour before the first taste. It was also aerated while pouring into the decanter. Excellent the first day and actually superb the next. Not as spicy as some zinfandels, but was excellent with grilled strip steaks, then lasagna the next night. It's also great to drink without food. I will definitely buy more...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/29/2010 - PhilSandifer wrote: 86 Points
Fun. A tad sweeter than I like my Zinfandels, but certainly an accessible red to be opened and poured among casual wine drinkers. Which is, to be fair, what this wine is targeting. Juicy and fruity, if you like tannins and spice in your Zinfandel this isn't for you. But it's certainly not a bad QPR (if not an extraordinary one), and I'm confident of it as a crowd pleaser.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/27/2010 - wolfen18 wrote: 83 Points
It is very bitter. I think some time in the cellar may help this. I will report back on the next bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/10/2010 - memksm1995@gmail.com wrote:
Scott Harvey 2007 InZINerator - 4 Pack
Lab Rat Report on wine.woot.com
Lab Rat bottle arrived in Texas around 1 pm. Cool to the touch upon opening the fed ex package. Put the bottle in the wine fridge for a couple of hours then couldn’t wait any longer. I tasted the wine three ways – first I popped and poured (no swirl) then poured through a rabbit, and finally poured through a rabbit into a crystal decanter. Upon opening I immediately smelled dark fruits & jam – it made my mouth water. I will be using the UC Davis Scoring.
Appearance (2 points possible) - I found the wine to be clear and the light did flash with light reflections.
MY SCORE – 2 points
Color (2 points possible) – Found the color to be a medium deep purple - it seemed to be more of a Pinot Noir tilt (slight transparency) than a Zin so I docked a point (Sorry Scott!!)
MY SCORE – 1 Point
Aroma & Bouquet (4 points possible) – Upon 1st pour (pop & pour no swirl) found the wine to be a bit tightly wound but after a few swirls the Bouquet began to open nicely. Detected a bit of spice and possibly a little heat at first taste but that went away especially after a pour through the rabbit. I wouldn’t call this a fruit bomb (at least by my terms but I did detect what I would call grape jelly from both the Aroma & Bouquet). I would rate the intensity as medium and I must say that as the wine was poured from the decanter it really spread its wings. Remember here that I am not an expert but also got rich chocolate on the nose & the jammyness has really mellowed, A little syrah spice comes through as well. I still get a little heat in the background but it is way in the back. I wish my nose was more educated so I could describe this properly but there is something in the nose I LOVE – a full rich smell that hits my nasal cavities and just screams dark fruits – it is a relaxing fulfilling smell!
MY SCORE 3 Points
Volatile Acidity (2 points possible) – No vinegar smell whatsoever
MY SCORE – 2 Points
Total Acidity (2 points possible) – Felt the acidity around the edges of my tounge – it was sharp maybe just a bit of bitterness but really nice
MY SCORE – 1 Point
Sweetness/Sugar (1 point possible) – Not overly dry or sweet – If I had to make a call here I would say a 6.5 to 7 on a 10 point scale of 1 being really sweet and 10 being really dry. At first I believe I detected a slight Port sweetness at the back of the tongue before swallowing but that too over the last couple of hours mellowed and blended nicely. This is my first time trying the InZin but I did read comments that the 2006 was too sweet – I didn’t find that to be the case here - possibly a little sweeter than some zins I have had but hey- this isn't a true Zin right??
MY SCORE – 1 Point
Body (1 point possible) – The mouth feel of this wine is what I would call full and velvety – The acidity of the wine does show through on the tounge. I get a little alcohol but the heat is not nearly as present as some of the blends I have tried. Because the wine has evolved so much in just the last couple of hours I have to believe that this will become more subtle over time – I am getting a little alcohol on the roof of my mouth (I think that’s alcohol – remember not an expert here) but it isn’t offensive – just there in a way that can be slightly detected.
MY SCORE – 1 Point
Flavor (1 point possible) – The flavor corresponds almost perfectly with the bouquet and aroma – it is very well balanced and I found no offensive characters
MY SCORE – 1 Point
Astringency (2points possible) – Tannins were definitely detected but something seemed to mellow out the bitterness – I can guess (a not very well educated guess mind you) this will only make the wine better with a year or 2 in the bottle. Don’t get me wrong – it is ready to drink now but my comment here is that I believe it can even get better as the tannins are predominate on the finish (or was that alcohol heat??? Wish I knew for sure!!
MY SCORE – 1 POINT
General Quality (2 points possible) – I have to tell you that I now know what all the buzz has been about regarding Scott Harvey wines – I loved this juice. It is relaxing, mellowing, sexy and just plain fun to drink. I believe it would pair great with any pizza or pasta dish (begs for Marinara Sauce) – I drank it by itself and really liked it a lot. Is it as complex as a 95 point Zin – no – is it now one of my favorite under $20’s – HELL YES!– 1 Point
TOTAL SCORE – 15 Points
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/21/2010 - merryberry wrote: 88 Points
Still has a raisiny, sweetish finish, but not overpowering like the 2006.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment