Pour me some of that "Steve" wine...

Our buddy Steve loves a good Zin. So much so that I've started calling (red) Zinfandel "Steve" - partly in honor, partly in jest. While I was at Moore Bros. Saturday, I made sure to pick up a bottle. We opened it last night. Yes, Steve was in attendance. It was a hit because the contents disappeared pretty quickly.


Three 2007 Old Vines Zinfandel - California, $18

What I sampled I liked: great berry aromas, full body, decently long finish, fruit-forward flavors, spice (but nothing nearly as spicy as Wilson's Tori) and easy drinking. A buy again. Produced by Cline (Matt Cline). Shhhh.

We also opened a great wine from last October's Finger Lakes trip: Ravines 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect with guacamole!

Wilson Wine on its way

Placed an order of three of Wilson's 2007 Tori Zinfandel this evening as part of a group order. We've gone through all our bottles of older Tori vintages. Looking forward to opening the first bottle soon after the shipment arrives to assess how long we'll hold the other two.

Wilson

By far one of the best wineries on our trip! Wilson is known for their Zinfandels, ranging in style from soft and easygoing to spicy and bold. I love all the iterations of this grape at Wilson. The Tori Vineyard is my personal favorite simply because I've never encountered another Zinfandel that packs in so many spicy flavors balanced by a jammy backbone. The Carl and Sawyer are great as well, but definitely softer than Tori.

The Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County is a great place to start exploring Zinfandel. There are many wineries to visit here, but Wilson is a must. (The wines are affordable, especially if you can get wine club pricing.) Our wine guide was very personable, knowledgeable and helped me understand that my mind wasn't playing tricks on me when I smelled pencil shavings.

I have only one photo of Wilson for you. It is of either the Ellie or Sawyer vineyard. It seems we were too busy sampling the wine and enjoying the picnic overlooking the vineyards to mess with cameras.

Wilson Roger's Fault 2003
Dry Creek Valley, California - $28
Red Bordeaux blend. Very interesting wine because of pencil shavings aroma (due to inclusion of Cabernet Sauvignon). Light body, good for food. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, & Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Wilson Diane's Reserve Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $48
Very jammy nose. A bonus pour.

Wilson Reserve Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $40
Aromas of leather, red berry, musty. Flavors of all over black & white pepper, spice. Some cedar after wine opened up. Medium body, soft tannins, long finish with some spice. Simple, unusual and pleasant. 4.5/5 for balance and style, but prefer more complexity and spice in a Dry Creek Zinfandel.

Wilson Ellie's Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $32
Currant & blackberry nose; light and low tannins. Transforms as you drink it. 14% petite syrah, remainder is Zinfandel. Harvested from grapes grown at an elevation of 500 feet.

Wilson Sawyer Vineyard Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $32
Not exciting enough when compared to the other Zinfandels. Same elevation as Ellie grapes. (The valley floor vines created rich, jammy wine.) White pepper on the back of the tongue. A very consistent wine sip to sip, year to year. Classic easy entry Zinfandel. Fruit forward nose.

Wilson Carl's Vineyard Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $32
Jammy nose, spicy. Like more than Sawyer, stronger than Ellie, but just as smooth. Same vines are Sawyer but higher elevation of 2,200 ft.

Wilson Tori Vineyard Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $32
Aka "Spicy Tori", grown at 2,440' elevation on coastal fog line. Stressing the vines creates a spicy nose. All sorts of spice everywhere. Black & white pepper, green bell pepper; more tannic than others. Cellar until 2009.

More at Wilson Winery.com

Bella

Bella is a little winery tucked into the hills of Dry Creek Valley. It is a winding car ride through the dusty back roads of the valley. The defining feature of Bella is their wine cave and tasting room.



Bella Hillside Cuvee 2005
Sonoma County, California - $28
Love. Not as sweet as it could be because of it is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. Smooth, could cellar. Graceful wine with lots of ripe fruit and soft tannins. From the winemaker: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Syrah and 10% Petite Verdot blend from Alexander Valley old vines. Ripe & juicy with excellent structure and finish. Opened bottle in July 2009 and it was just as juicy as I remembered.



Bella Estate Late Harvest Zinfandel 2006
Sonoma County, California - $24
Smooooth. Dessert wine. Higher alcohol content. Great nose, citrus peel, inky black color. Sweet, but not cloyingly obnoxious nor port-like. From the winemaker: 94% Zinfandel, 6% Petite Syrah. Left on the vine two weeks longer than their regular bottling. Only 250 cases produced.



More at Bella Winery.com

Elyse

The last winery of the day is never easy. Especially when the tasting covers 10-12 wines and the tasting room host keeps pulling out bottles from under the bar. Most of these wines were so heavy with tannins, my tongue had shriveled up for want of water or food. Luckily, we had a stash of crackers in the car which were put to good use mid-way through. By the end of the hour plus tasting, we had sampled some two dozen wines - almost all red and powerful. If you're looking for an intimate tasting experience and are a fan of bold Napa Cabernets, give Elyse a try.

Elyse Wild Horse Valley Chardonnay 2005
Napa Valley, California - $37
Butter, lemon cream.

Elyse Hudson Vineyard 2004
Napa Valley, California - $42
Red blend: 90% grenache, 10% syrah. Sweet strawberry flavors, no residual sugar.

Elyse Tietjen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Napa Valley, California - $80
Very cherry, berry. Very smooth. My favorite of the two Cabernets.

Elyse Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Napa Valley, California - $80
More of a bite than Tietjen. More tannic harshness. Would need time to mellow.



Elyse Korte Ranch Zinfandel 2006
Napa Valley, California - $35
Made from 25-65% old vines, this is a good, but very tannic wine from the St. Helena AVA.

Elyse Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel 2005
Napa Valley, California - $37
I liked this one. Jammier, notes of strawberry and young fruit. Interesting that I prefer the Zinfandel from this vineyard but not the Cabernet.

Elyse St. Helena Petite Syrah 2005
St. Helena, California - $37
Rosemary, eucalyptus, huckleberry and spice.

More at Elyse Winery.com


And visit Woodhouse Chocolate if you're ever in the area. It's worth the stop in downtown St. Helena. I highly recommend the quatre epices, thai ginger, toasted coconut & honey truffles. (And since I'm such a packaging/design nut, I couldn't bear to toss the box. It stills smells like chocolate.)

Caymus

Caymus is another renowned winery with a strong presence in Napa Valley. The name Caymus comes from an Indian tribe and Rancho Caymus, an 1836 land grant which encompasses the town of Rutherford and beyond. They specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon and kickstarted our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon day.

The private tasting appointment was the earliest of all our appointments - around 10am. It was unusual to drink wine so early but my palate was especially sharp at this hour. This day was our last full day of tastings and so it began with a more serious, reverent tone than the previous days' tastings.

Caymus Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2003
Napa Valley, California
Love it. Grapefruit and lemon on nose and finish. Green apple flavors at first. Lemon verbena, cream finish. Cannot buy back home.

Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Napa Valley, California - $56
Cigar (tobacco) nose. Soft tannins and smooth, lingering flavor. Lovely nose, better value than other Cabs, dark purple-red color. Drink 2008-2011. Can get at home.



Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Napa Valley, California - $160
Do not like nose - lots of smokiness. Opens up well but don’t prefer the style. Inky black-red color. Better when cellared 5-10 years, not one of the better Napa values. Can get at home.

Caymus Napa Valley Zinfandel 2005
Napa Valley, California
Like the style, lighter tannins. Soft fruit, smooth finish. Could lose something if cellared too long. Cannot get at home.



More at Caymus.com

Gary Farrell

A winemaker renowned for beautifully crafted Pinot Noirs, Gary Farrell Winery is an iconic name. The dramatic architecture of the hilltop tasting room enhances the amazing vistas of the Russian River Valley. It was a hike, but well worth it. This was our first stop on "Pinot Noir Day".



Gary Farrell Rochioli Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
Drink now-2012. Clean, flinty, melon and touch of oak with harmony and balance. Rated 91 points in WS.

Gary Farrell Starr Ridge Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
Drink now-2011. Floral aromas, lots of depth and complexity. Rated 91 points in WS.

Gary Farrell Westside Farms Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
Slightly tart, long finish with butter and oak. Brian likes this one. Drink now-2011. Fresh, snappy, elegant with long finish. Rated 91 points in WS.

Gary Farrell Cresta Ridge Chardonnay 2005
RRV, California - $38
This Chardonnay was my favorite. Picked up minerality immediately. More crispness and minerality than Redwood Ranch Sauvignon Blanc (below). From the winemaker: Bursts with aromas of orange blossom, citrus zest and hints of toffee. Luscious, fresh cut green melon, spiced pear, interesting mineral components.

Gary Farrell Redwood Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Sonoma County, California - $25
new French oak, very citrusy, not grassy. "Bright, forward aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry, lime and melon. Generous flavors, richness on mid-palate, never strays from crisp refreshing acidity. Rated 91 points in WS.



Gary Farrell Sonoma County Merlot 2003
RRV, California - $32
Picked up the mint and cedar aromas. Very interesting. From the winemaker: Complex aromas of blackberry, chocolate-cherry, mint and cedar. Juicy expressions of wild berry fruit, cassis and green peppercorn.

Gary Farrell Collins Vineyard Zinfandel 2005
RRV, California - $40
Notable nose. Cranberry, very tart, really needs decanting for a few hours. Will be prime in 2011-2013.

Gary Farrell Starr Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005
RRV, California 2005
Very good, but needs more time to develop in bottle.

Gary Farrell Carneros Ramal Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005
RRV, California - $50
Very good. Beautiful now, but can age up to 12 years for greatness.

Gary Farrell Santa Barbara Bien Nacido Pinot Noir 2005
Santa Barbara County, California - $50
Favorite Pinot from the tasting. Pretty aromas & silky, elegant tannins. Nose of raspberry, black cherry with hint of spice. Fine, rich and voluptuous textures. Decant, cellar up to 10 years. Rated 87 points in WS.



More at Gary Farrell wines.com

Rombauer

We stopped at Oakville Grocery for picnic provisions before headed up the road for our AM tasting at Rombauer. This was the first stop on day two. This winery made it on the list because a group member loves their Chardonnays. Rombauer has an excellent picnic site with valley views.

Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay 2006
Napa Valley, California - $29
Up to quality of previous vintages, excellent, toasty, vanilla and oaky. Had with picnic lunch. From the winemaker: Rich wine with layers of tropical fruit, peaches, & pears. Creamy textres of apples, pears. Hint of citrus & light oak, lingering finish.

Rombauer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California - $38
Okay, weak. From the winemaker: Aromas of violet, black currant, cherry, plum, wild berry backed by spice. Flavor burst lingers, adds complexity.



Rombauer Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
Napa Valley, California - $60
Earthy on nose, very drying tannins. From the winemaker: Rich, ripe plum & blackberry, vibrant & intense without overpowering. Finesse and polish on finish with ripe, integrated tannins.

Rombauer Napa Valley Zinfandel 2005
Napa Valley, California - $28
Sweet, jammy. From the winemaker: Ripe & luscious w/vivid aromas of boysenberry & wild berry, layered flavors of raspberry, blackberry & boysenberry. Fruit explosion, berry flavors linger on palate. Hint of oak, spice on finish.

Rombauer Zinfandel Port
Napa Valley, California - $45
Not raisin-y for a port. Vanilla, hint of pepper on aftertaste. From the winemaker: Chocolate, plum berry aroma. Long lingering finish of fruit & vanilla.


More at Rombauer.com

Peju

Peju was the second winery we visited our first day in Napa. The grounds makes quite an impression as you drive up. The long driveway is lined by skinny sycamores being trained to bend over the drive (but they are still young so it is more of a lean). And the buildings are a mix of French provencal and Dr. Seuss. The rear tasting room, with granite floors and counters and stained glass windows, is the more beautiful of the tasting rooms. Tasting menu was extensive, highlighted by unique red/white blends and dry rose wines. We did not encounter so many dry, light reds at any other winery.

It is definitely worth a visit for the grounds and architecture. Since it's right off the main drag in Napa, it is easy to find and stop in.

Peju Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Napa Valley, California - $18
Grapefruit, "cat pee" on nose. From the winemaker: Pale straw yellow color. Tropical fruit mixed with fresh citrus, lychee & passion fruit. Crisp, fresh & lively on the palate. Long finish.

Peju Provence
Napa Valley, California - $22
Provence: California red & white blend. Very interesting and unique; slightly sweet, summer sipper. Like a white Zinfadel or rose. From the winemaker: Proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and French Colombard. Pleasing impression with refreshing finish.

Peju Rose of Syrah
Napa Valley, California - $25
(This wine was not available during our visit but we have since sampled several bottles.) Aromas of light cherry and other berries, dusty & melon. Dry rose style with light body. Brilliant red-orange color. Same light flavors as aromas. Paired well with smoked salmon, pickled red onion & goat cheese boursin. From the winemaker: The color is vibrant rouge with fragrant aromas of pear, fresh raspberries and ripe strawberries as well as a hint of spicy gumdrop. Delicate flavors of red berries, citrus notes with a whisper of Seville orange creamsicle. This wine is enticing and smooth on the palate with a creamy finish. It is an interesting wine for a summer event; surprising and refreshing. Rarity increases appeal. 3.5/5

Peju Estate Fifty/Fifty 2005
Napa Valley, California - $85
Red blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cherry color, coats glass thickly, dry finish. From the winemaker: 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Bright red berry fruit, ripe plum, dark dried cherry and currant aromas. Deep and rich.

Peju Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Napa Valley, California - $40
Brian liked, better than Cakebread's Estate Cab. Watermelon, slightly bitter. From the winemaker: Aroma of bing cherry, vanilla, clove, blackberry, black pepper, cassis, toast, roasted coffee, fresh herbs and green olive. Palate is big, rich and round. Lengthy finish, soft supple texture and nicely integrated tannins.



Peju Rutherford Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Napa Valley, California - $105
Hold until 2013-2014 to reach prime. Vanilla, dry. From the winemaker: Concentrated plum, blackberry nose and hint of cocoa aromas. Rich and powerful, layers of concentrated flavors with nice roundness. Rich and lengthy finish; complex and well developed tannins.

Peju Estate Zinfandel 2005
Napa Valley, California - $28
Very jammy, heavily coated glass. From the winemaker: Dark purple & garnet in color. Aromas of raspberry, cranberry, dried cherry and clove. Bright blackberry jam, round spicy flavor. Big bold tannins, long lingering finish.

Peju Estate Cabernet Franc 2005
Napa Valley, California - $45
Not a blend - 100% Cabernet Franc. Good minerality; powerful, puckering tannins. From the winemaker: Aromas of concentrated plum, mingled with spice, red currant, vanilla and violet. Full body, flavor of plum blackberry pie, espresso bean and hints of anise, fresh herbs and white pepper. Soft, luxurious mouthfeel.

More at Peju.com

Gourmet Raft-up 2009

Peju Rose of Syrah 2007
Napa, California
Light cherry, melon, other berries and dusty aromas. Dry style of rose, light body. Brilliant red-orange color. Light flavors that mimic the aromas. Paired with smoked salmon, pickled red onions, & goat cheese boursin. Interesting wine for summer event, surprising and refreshing. Rarity increases score. 3.5/5


Va La Silk 2007
Avondale, Pennsylvania - $28
Aromas of smoke, berry & plum open up to woodsy notes. After decanting for an hour, insane spice aromas appear - cinnamon. Spice and smoky fruit flavors with light body. Very complex flavors. Versatile red and a great local wine. Good for appetizers or as a substitute for Pinot Noir. 4.5/5


Merry Edwards Meredith Estate Pinot Noir 2006
Russian River Valley, California
Violet aromas followed by berry and vanilla with medium tannins. Needed more time to open - not as aromatic as initial tasting in CA.




Neal Zinfandel 2006
Napa Valley, California
Herbal, soft red fruits (berry) on the nose. Same jammy red fruits with medium tannins. A soft Zinfandel with powerful tannins that need time to open up, fruit is obscured. 4/5


Luchador Shiraz 2007
South Australia - $12
Stewed red fruits followed by good oak nose. Amazing flavor when paired with grilled lamb. Thick, powerful aromas; intense, spicy flavors and easy tannins. More potent nose than flavors. For the price, great flavor & intensity. 4.5/5

Luigi Bosca Malbec Reserva 2005
Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
Aromas of smoke, earth, plum, red fruit and leather. Big hit of spice (back of throat) and smack of alcohol on initial taste. Bold. Same flavors as aromas. Peppery, port-like ripe fruit. Needs food. Tannic and powerful, nice finish. 4/5

Chateau de Segur Sauternes 2003
Barsac, France - $19
Pineapple, honey, light floral and ripe golden citrus aromas. Very sweet, syrupy weight. Honeyed pineapple. Very elegant and soft. Extended pineapple finish with caramel hint. Fantastic value for full bottle under $20 - why spend more? (That is, unless you're shooting for Chateau Y'Quem). 4.5/5

California Zinfandel

Cline Zinfandel 2006
California - $8
Decant first. Spicy, easy to drink. Black cherry, pepper and cola aromas, zesty flavors. Opened up at end. Buy again. Rated 84 points in WS.

Ravenswood Old Vines Zinfandel
Sonoma County, California - $14
Outstanding as always. Great value and always tasty at parties. 4/5


CrauforD Kilt Lifter Brown Vineyard Zinfandel 2006
Napa Valley, California - $25
Birthday wine at James in Philadelphia. Big, juicy wine with deep spice & pepper aromatics. Cinnamon & clove from oaking. Huge mouthfeel; tannins & acids balanced. Long deep finish. Rated 91 points in WS. 4.5/5

Quivira

This winery was one of the last we visited during our Napa/Sonoma Spring 2008 trip. While we weren't wowwed by most of the wines, their focus on sustainable and biodynamic practices was interesting. Quivira started their biodynamic journey in 2002. You can see the solar panels on the tasting room's roof. These panels have been able to completely satisfy the winery's energy needs for several years. A biodynamic and organic garden is also available to visitors curious to learn more about sustainable farming.



Quivira Sauvignon Blanc Fig Tree Vineyard 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $18
Big pineapple nose & lemon finish. Sweetness, just a touch, lingers. Light and fruity. From the winemaker: "Generous pineapple, citrus blossom, and wet stones w/bright lemon & carambola fruit on palate."

Quivira Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $20
Cherry aroma, lots of spice. Berry on finish. Smooth, low tannins. From the winemaker: "Blended barrels with valley floor and hilltop sites. 10% petite syrah. Dark cherry & bramble fruit, med mouth feel, blackberries, hint of bakers chocolate. Unfiltered.

Quivira Anderson Ranch Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $34
Couldn't pick out individual components but great mouth feel and flavor. From the winemaker: "Lush aroma of blueberry tartlets, ripe blackberries, Szechuan pepper, vanilla soaked cranberry. Palate: black cherries, raspberry."

Quivira Wine Creek Ranch Zinfandel 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $30
Made from the oldest vines, 100% Zinfandel. Bigger and bolder nose than Anderson Ranch. Black cherry, cracked peppercorn, dark cocoa.

Quivira Wine Creek Ranch Petite Syrah 2005
Dry Creek Valley, California - $26
Black currant aroma, coriander seed on first sip - very cool flavor. Candied cherry on palate.

More at Quivira. Thanks to Christa for the suggestion!

Rancho Zabaco Dry Creek Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley, California - $20
Sedate for a Zin. Failed to impress especially considering the value-oriented price point of several other common Zinfandels. Tasted at a Harry's Savoy wine event. 2/5

Grgich Hills Napa Valley Zinfandel
Napa Valley, California - $40
Yummy. Much like our beloved Wilson's smooth Sawyer Vineyard Zinfandel. Medium body, supple tannins, fruit forward (red berry) with hints of spice. Tasted at a Harry's Savoy wine event. 3.5/5

Rosenblum Desiree Chocolate Port
California - $20
Zinfandel dessert wine. Intrigued and gave it a try, because at the time, I was not a fan of port. Chocolate and vanilla nose. Smooth and balanced with the right amount of sweetness. One nitpicky bit is that I would have preferred a fuller body. Chocolate aroma sticks to the glass! Impossible to get rid of and clouded next tasting so glass was swapped out. Would buy and pair with... chocolate. Tasted at a Harry's Savoy wine event. 3/5