This
group of California red wines arrived late in the season, after I had already
conducted several single-blind tastings. So, I threw them all together. There are
some serious goodies in here from Shafer, Galerie and Stonestreet.
These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.
SRP:
$50
Rich
purple color. Gorgeous blackberry and cassis, rich but elegant, and deep aromas
of violets, cinnamon, vanilla and coffee mixed with dark earthy/spice elements
– a lovely combo. Study tannic backbone on this wine but the refreshing acidity
keeps it feeling silky. The black currant and blackberry fruit is a big dense
at this young age, but shows tons of flavor and lots of potential for further
development. I already get a host of cinnamon, charcoal, rocky soil, espresso.
A complex and pretty wine that has its best to come. Definitely a winner in
this price range of Napa Cabs. Aged 20 months in about half new French oak. (92
points)
SRP:
$35
Dark
purple color. Dark and deep on the nose, with saucy plums and blackberry pie, a
lot of other nuances: clove, coffee, vanilla, violets and potting soil. A
massive and chewy presence on the palate with sturdy tannins and medium-low
acidity (but just enough to keep this from being too dense. Blackberry and
boysenberry, the fruit is chewy but shows a fresh edge, and I get lots of
espresso, charcoal, black pepper and smoke. Rich, delicious, a bit compact now but
this will age nicely for quite a bunch of years. Aged 20 months in 1/3 new
French oak. (90 points)
SRP:
$55
Dark
purple color. On the nose, a dark core of saucy plum, black cherry and black
currant, along with mocha, crushed rocks, violets, cola, campfire smoke and
coffee. Very full-bodied with a huge and viscous presence on the palate,
medium/low acidity. Black cherries, roasted plums and black currant, the fruit
is dense but laced with flavors of violets, loamy soil, charcoal, vanilla,
cedar, bourbon and spiced coffee. Huge and hedonistic, this goes for the
jugular, but it is excellent for this style. I’d love to bury a bottle for five
to seven years. Includes 14% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is aged
20 months in 85% new French oak. (92 points)
SRP:
$87
Deep
purple color. Intensely dark aromas of blueberry, blackberry and boysenberry
topped in charcoal, magic marker, black pepper glaze and vanilla. Massive
texture on the palate, this has a glycerin-like feel with grippy tannins and
just enough acidity. Dense blackberry and blueberry fruit doused in shaved
coconut, espresso, mint chocolate chip, black pepper glaze and sarsaparilla.
Wow this is so delicious but so young. Can’t wait to see what happens to it in
five to eight years. Aged 30 months in all new French oak, this contains 3% Petite
Sirah. (93 points)
SRP:
$45
Deep
purple color. Smells of black currant, plums and roasted figs, peppered with
eucalyptus, sage, rich earth and spiced chai. Full but fresh with sturdy
tannins but vibrant acidity that keeps it balanced. Plum and black currant
fruit, rich but tart, topped in smoky earth, eucalyptus, cedar, graphite and
violets. Complex now but will be better in 3-4 years. This outperforms a lot of
Napa stuff in this price point. Aged 18 months in 37% new French oak. (91
points)
2013 Bruce Patch Zinfandel Equavinity Landy Vineyard - California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP:
$30
Juicy
purple color. Smells of vibrant black cherries and juicy raspberries, sweet
cola, eucalyptus and pepper. Full-bodied with velvety tannins and surprisingly
fresh acidity. Tart black cherries and plums blend so well with sweet violets,
eucalyptus, vanilla cola, and really interesting notes of barbecue sauce,
cayenne and black pepper. Long and complex but fresh with great balance and
some structure for aging. Wow, and for $30?! Aged 20 months in American oak.
(91 points)
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