At fourteen years, this is past it's prime drinking window, but still enjoyable. Dark ruby colored, medium full bodied, black berry and raspberry fruits give way to a layer of vanilla accented by earthy spice, oak, and hints of mocha with a firm but approachable tannin acid finish.
Tasted May 26, 2006 at a retail tasting. Opened and served about an hour later in a Riedel Vinum Cabernet Sauvignon glass. Light garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Slightly bretty nose with some dominating notes of kirsch and a slightly offputting aroma I can only describe as fertilizer. Flavors of raspberry, Bing cherry and rhubarb. Integrated tannins with fresh acidity on a medium finish are encouraging but while tasting I kept asking myself “this is Howell Mountain fruit?” Drink over the next year or so. Based on the $28.04 per bottle local retail price I’d say the value is unacceptable.
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wow, what does it say when my 5 year old Zin is better on the 3rd day? so much for cali zins not ageing. still dark, rich, jam with great spice level, although not as spicy as past bottles. has mellowed a bit and is more like silky cream in weight. eucalyptus, blackberry without the tartness. perfect with the BBQ, ahh summertime.
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5/6/2016 - 1961Vintage Likes this wine: 94 Points
This wine simply killed it. Great fruit and balance. No sense of beyond peak at all. Wish I had more.
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12/27/2015 - 1961Vintage wrote: 93 Points
Still brilliant, though most likely at peak. Through Vinturi. Outstanding!
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8/2/2015 - rmcnees wrote: 88 Points
At fourteen years, this is past it's prime drinking window, but still enjoyable. Dark ruby colored, medium full bodied, black berry and raspberry fruits give way to a layer of vanilla accented by earthy spice, oak, and hints of mocha with a firm but approachable tannin acid finish.
http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2015/08/zinfandel-for-barbecue-and-more.html
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5/26/2006 - wineismylife wrote: 85 Points
WIML85,NOWA,NOWS
Tasted May 26, 2006 at a retail tasting. Opened and served about an hour later in a Riedel Vinum Cabernet Sauvignon glass. Light garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Slightly bretty nose with some dominating notes of kirsch and a slightly offputting aroma I can only describe as fertilizer. Flavors of raspberry, Bing cherry and rhubarb. Integrated tannins with fresh acidity on a medium finish are encouraging but while tasting I kept asking myself “this is Howell Mountain fruit?” Drink over the next year or so. Based on the $28.04 per bottle local retail price I’d say the value is unacceptable.
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5/8/2006 - Opimian wrote: 92 Points
wow, what does it say when my 5 year old Zin is better on the 3rd day? so much for cali zins not ageing. still dark, rich, jam with great spice level, although not as spicy as past bottles. has mellowed a bit and is more like silky cream in weight. eucalyptus, blackberry without the tartness. perfect with the BBQ, ahh summertime.
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