by Ray Johnson | May 7, 2008 | Napa Valley, Port, Zinfandel
Ballentine Vineyards Napa Valley Estate Grown Zinfandel Port 2004 There’s a sense of a brand new, just crushed wine in the cellar, with vivacious, grapy fruit. There’s definitely some heat as we would see from Portugal, yet this New World Port wears its...
by Ray Johnson | May 2, 2008 | Alexander Valley, California, Dry Creek Valley, Primitivo, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Collier Falls Dry Creek Valley Primitivo 2005 This is lovingly slathered in oak. P&B in Geyserville 15.2% $32 at the winery Collier Falls Bella Alexander Valley Big River Ranch Zinfandel 2005 A very balanced Zin with tannic structure and dense fruit. Sourced from...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 25, 2008 | California, Napa Valley, Zinfandel
Frank Family Napa Valley Zinfandel 2006 Known for awesome Cabernet, tonight we sample their Zin. This wine smells of vanilla and other essences of dessert. There’s lots of extract, very jammy in black fruit and a healthy heft of tannin. 8% Petite Sirah, 15...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 23, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Zinfandel
Ridge California Lytton Springs 2005 This traditional field blend comes from the site on Lytton Springs Road running between the heart of Dry Creek and Highway 101 in Sonoma County. There is plenty of black pepper on top of the jammy fruit. The vines are intermixed in...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 18, 2008 | California, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Carol Shelton Sonoma County Black Magic Late Harvest Zinfandel 2006 Many feel that Carol has a magic hand when it comes to Zin. This offering for dessert is on the lighter side of RS with just 6.5% residual sugar, making it ideal for fresh berries, served cold with...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 4, 2008 | California, Hungary, Late harvest red, Late Harvest White, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Tokaji, Zinfandel
Paradise Ridge Winery Russian River Valley Ode to Joy Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Lots of complexity in this wine, with honey galore. This dessert wine was crafted to honor the memory of Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars. 330 g/l sugar at harvest. Winemaker Dan Barwick....
