3/8/2024 - EMark Likes this wine:

Stone fruit flavors on the tongue. You can't look at that deep maroon color in the glass without thinking plum, but this wine has a delightful combination--apricot and peach in addition to plum. It is a very mellow wine that has an incredibly refreshing quality without noticeable acidity. Some dusty sensation under the rear palate. Terrific wine.

3/6/2024 - EMark Likes this wine:

Translucent cranberry color with a tart red berry nose. An interesting introduction on the tongue--lean mouthfeel, very light tart red berry flavors with acidity that suggests orange. I'm not sure I've ever noticed that in a PN before. Some rear palate baking spice sensation--I get that often with PN. Another unusual thing about this wine was the very noticeable tannin. I cannot recall a PN with so much tannin. Interesting

3/4/2024 - EMark Likes this wine:

A very pleasant introduction of muted mixed stone fruit and berry flavors. A slight suggestion of bitterness under the rear palate which, more than anything, makes me think of stems. That sensation notwithstanding, the tannin level is quite sedate. A not-quite-full-bodied wine, with a very pleasant mouthfeel.

3/2/2024 - EMark Likes this wine:

More redddish in color than your typical California CS. However, the nose reverts to the mean--definitely dark fruit aromas. Sure enough dark fruit one the tongue. However, it is a gentle sensation of blackberry or currant--definitely, not a California CS fruit bomb. Some citric sensation on the tip of the tongue. Still noticeable tannin. A moderate but very pleasant and seemingly non-alcoholic finish,

2/26/2024 - EMark Likes this wine:

Beautiful deep purple color. Aromas of dark fruit. Not surprisingly, I detected dark subtle fruit flavors on the tongue. However, in addition to the currant and blackberry that I often get in Napa Valley CS, there was red cherry. Very cool. Further back on my tongue I found a sensation that almost suggested unsweetened chocolate. Slight level of tartness on the edges of my tongue. A fairly mellow wine--very sedate levels of acid and tannin. Full-bodied but not what I would call a "powerhouse."

2/14/2024 - EMark Likes this wine:

Murky dark purple color with dark edges--suggests prune juice. A piquant red berry nose. On the tongue I get a lively combination of stone fruit--apricot cherry, plum. Some rear palate bitterness. A firm wine with non-interfering acid and tannin.

2/1/2024 - EMark Likes this wine:

Murky red plum color. The nose is slightly musty but showing strong mixed berry aromas. Pleasant dark berry/plum flavors on the tongue. Some stoniness or dustiness under the rear palate. Somewhat mild acid, but still prominent tannin. This is not what I would call an elegant wine--it is more of the rustic Zinfandel style.

1/14/2024 - EMark Likes this wine:

Deep rich maroon color. Aromas of dark fruit with the slightest suggestion of mint. (Mint?) Sure enough, a modest hit of dark fruit on the tongue--think black cherry. but with no sugar, A touch of salinity. Acid and tannin are both, pretty much, resolved. A full-bodied wine, but far from the "powerhouse" designation.

12/20/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Deep maroon color in the glass. A light suggestion of cherry on the nose. Light hit of dark fruit on the tongue--blackberry, plum, cherry. Nice acid tartness. Modest, but noticeable tannin. A pleasant wine.

10/26/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Attractive translucent cranberry color. Foliage nose with a bit of sulfur funk. Not surprisingly, red fruit on the tongue--cherry, cranberry, plum. Quite subtle and slightly tart. A fairly lean mouthful but not as light-bodied as a lot of PNs I've been drinking, lately. Good wine.

10/22/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Beautiful dark plum color. Lots of oak on the nose. Dark berry fruit on the tongue--blackberry as much as anything. Quite mellow. Nice velvety mouthfeel. Some hints of vanilla under the rear palate support the oaky bouquet previously detected. Some suggestions of charcoal and salinity. The latter seems a tad unusual for CS in my experience. Very sedate acid and tannin. I had another bottle of this a couple years ago and was not as impressed as I am with this one. The extra years have been VERY kind to this wine.

9/21/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Dark maroon color, Tart red fruit aromas with some stemminess. A very gentle entry of mixed red/dark fruit. There was some acid spritz on the edges of the tongue, but the tartness forecasted in the nose did not appear, The wine was quite mellow. Verry satisfying.

8/21/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Beautiful red plum color. Dark fruit and earthy aromas. On the tongue I initially get lightly tart dark berry fruit--cassis, blackberry. Lots of dust or earthiness mid-palate. Plenty of unresolved tannin--between that and the nice level of acid, I think this wine can continue to rest for a few more years. A big mouthfilling wine with a terrific lengthy finish.

8/19/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

A very pleasant, gentle hit of mixed berries and stone fruit on introduction. Mid-palate some stoniness or minerality arises. Also, at this point moderate tannin is detected. A bit of spritz on the tongue. Medium bodied with what might be described as a lean mouthfeel. Winner winner.

8/6/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Deep red plum color, "Dusty" nose with the slightest suggestion of mint. Very mellow feel on the tongue. Light hit of mixed fruits. Noticeable earthiness, or, maybe, charcoal under the rear palate. Tannin is, pretty much, resolved.

8/6/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

I think this is the lightest bodied red wine I've ever had. It is slightly more full-bodied than your typical rosé or, maybe, many white wines. A somewhat lean wine with very light levels of red fruit flavors. Enough acid to give it lively brightness. Not surprisingly, quite brief on the finish.

8/5/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

I think this is the lightest bodied red wine I've ever had. It is slightly more full-bodied than your typical rosé or, maybe, many white wines. A somewhat lean wine with very light levels of red fruit flavors. Enough acid to give it lively brightness. Not surprisingly, quite brief on the finish.

7/10/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

A big Cab. A gentle entry of dark berry fruit--quite pleasant. Then some pretty serious tannin. Very pleasant CS sensations under the rear palate--charcoal, anise, leather, mineral. I have another bottle of this that I will let rest for a few more years.

7/6/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Red plum color.--dark, but not opaque. Dark fruit aromas. Initially, this wine seems velvety smooth on the tongue. However, as the wine passes back, the edges and rear of my tongue detect bright acid. Also, at this time dark fruit (surprise) flavors emerge. Moderate level of tannin. Terrific food wine.

6/26/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Slightly murky cranberry color in the glass. Forest floor, fungal aromas. Tart red berry flavors on the tongue. The acidic tartness sent my salivary glands into hyperdrive, Very fun. Some savoriness. Medium-bodied--appropriate for a PN. As you might guess, the acid makes this a very refreshing wine to drink,

6/25/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

The wine is opaque, almost black plum color. A volatile nose with some dark fruit aromas. Subtle dark fruit--blackberry, cassis, plum--on the tongue. A chewy mouthfeel. Dust, tar under the rear palate. Acid and tannin levels suggest that a few years of age will be well rewarded.

6/23/2023 - EMark wrote:

I had this wine last night. While I did not jot down any notes, I can report that it is a solid wine. Red berry fruit--which I often get from RRV Zins--on the tip of the tongue. Noticeable, but not in the way, acid and tannin make for an easy to drink wine. My other two bottles will remain at rest for a few years to develop into a more complex wine.

6/22/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Subtle blackberry on the tongue, but that is the only thing that is subtle about this wine. It is a powerful, bold Zin that is structured on strong acid and tannin content. A mouth filling wine, Enjoyable minerality under the rear palate, with a pleasant finish. A terrific wine.

6/20/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

I would describe the wine's color as a faint salmon color. Obviously, it is not the vibrantly bright Copper River Salmon color. It is more the farm-raised Atlantic Salmon color.

On the nose I get a lot of perfumey florals--not so much fruits;

On the tongue and under the palate, this is a light wine, but that is not to say that it is simple. It is crisp. Often, I find that crisp wines are high acid, but that is certainly not the case here. I might suggest a bit more acid, but that is being really picky. Interestingly, I do not get much in the way of fruit, here. So much easier to match with food. What I do get, and what is very interesting, is some kind of mixed herb thing under the rear palate--think parsley, sage, thyme (but no rosemary). A very fun wine.

6/19/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

An opaque purple that is more red than blue color. Dark berry aromas with some stemminess. Quite mellow introduction on the tongue with modest dark berry and dark stone fruit flavors. Tannin arises further back on the tongue. Pleasant sensation under the rear palate suggesting mineral or charcoal. A big wine, and I wish I had more.

6/17/2023 - EMark wrote:

An OK wine for $18. Dark purple color. Yeasty aroma. Blackberry on the tongue. Then LOTS of tannin. Suggestion of tar under the rear palate. I might buy another bottle, let it rest for a while and try it with a more worthy meal.

6/17/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Murky maroon color. Rustic forest floor nose with a hint of dark fruit. Dark stone fruit--plum, cherry--on the tongue with lively sharp tartness. Quite noticeable. and pleasant, level of tannin. A somewhat lean mouthfeel, Medium bodied. Dark berry retro-nasal sensation under the rear palate.

6/13/2023 - EMark wrote:

Translucent cranberry color. Something of a "sweet" nose suggesting strawberries. On the tongue the wine seems quite sweet--raspberry. Somewhat syrupy. Medium bodied. Some baking spice sensation under the rear palate. Much too fruity for my liking.

6/9/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Very pleasant on the tongue. Not terribly fruity (👍👍👍) but, rather. a mineral/herbal combination. Nice level of acid tartness. Medium bodied. A fairly short finish. I really enjoyed this wine, and there is nothing that I can compare it to.

5/27/2023 - EMark wrote:

Interesting bright fruity aromas that suggest, but do not actually smell like, citrus--orange or tangerine. Not surprisingly there is lots of upfront fruit--blackberry stands out. Also, there is a suggestion of cola. Tar/charcoal sensation under the rear palate. Tannin appears to be reduced but still noticeable.

5/14/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Subtle dark fruit fruit on the tongue--typical CS such as blueberry and currant. Surprisingly savory. Pleasant rear palate tartness. Tannins are nicely resolved yielding a smooth wine that is full-bodied with power.

5/13/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Inky dark color--a good sign for Petite Sirah. More floral than fruity aromas. Sure enough, on the tongue there is only the slightest flavor of plum. An interesting herbal suggestion--maybe something of a gungal/mushroomy thing. Dusty/powdery mid-palate--probably from tannin. A tobacco or charcoal rear palate sensation. Terrific mature wine.

5/7/2023 - EMark wrote:

Pretty translucent ruby color. Something of a volatile floral nose. Light suggestion of blueberry and yellow stone fruit flavors on the tongue. Some earthiness mid/rear palate. This wine has a fairly light mouthfeel, and while there is nothing unpleasant, here, there is no wow factor. It may be that this one needed a few more years for something to develop.

5/2/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Dark violet color. Floral/dark berry aromas. Delightful but not overreaching mixed berries--blueberry, cranberry--on the tongue. Nice level of acid tartness. Sturdy tannin. Slight mid-palate funk. This wine could still rest for a few years, but I am enjoying it now.

4/27/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Clear straw color. Tropical fruit aromas. Vibrant astringency on the tongue. Tropical fruit, melon and caramel flavors suggest oak treatment. Some herbal hints. Acidity makes for a very refreshing wine,

4/27/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Somewhat murky in the glass. Forest floor/fungal nose. Terrific slightly tart plum flavor on the tongue. Some salinity. Medium-bodied with a corresponding mouthfeel. Tannin is completely resolved. So, the wine is quite mellow under the mid/rear palate.

4/17/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Red plum color. Earthy nose. Mellow dark fruit flavors flow over the tongue--no "sweetness," at all, and not tartness, but a pleasant level of acid suggesting citrus is detected around the edges of the tongue. Plenty of tannin. I wish I had more to check in five years.

4/16/2023 - EMark wrote:

Murky, prune juice color, Forest floor or, perhaps, mushroom aromas. Tart red cherry or cranberry on the tongue. A lean mouthfeel. Frankly this wine seems quite stark I just don't get much depth. Mineral sensations under the rear palate gives a slight bitter taste.

4/14/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

More-blue-than-red purple in the glass. Floral aromas suggesting violets--although my olfactory receptors may have been influenced by the wines visual. Mellow level of dark fruit on the tongue. Fairly tart. Medium bodied. Something of a "minty" mouth sensation. An unusual, albeit, pleasant, sensation under the rear palate of nuts--almonds?

4/11/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Lots of mixed fruit flavors on the tip of the tongue—think the best grownup punch you’ve ever had. It’s funny, from the name, Mixed Blacks, I would have expected dark fruit dominance. Again, though, I get a combination of blackberry, red raspberry, red plum and, maybe even, apricot. Mellow mid-palate herbal sensations—basil, mint, parsley. Acid and tannin are, pretty much, resolved. While this is a sturdy red wine, I don’t consider it to be massive. However, it is a very satisfying and much more than pleasant wine

4/10/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Clear pale yellow color. Light fruity aromas. Pears and melon on the tongue. As you might guess, quite light-bodied, Bright tartness makes for a very refreshing quencher.

4/9/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Mixed berries and stone fruit on the tip of the tongue. While I would say that the fruit is "chewy" it is not jammy. Mid-palate hint of unsweetened chocolate and, maybe, some minerality, I am a bit surprised that the tannin level is quite modest.

4/8/2023 - EMark wrote:

I liked this wine four years ago and love it now. Quite dark in the glass. A muted, slightly viny nose. Terrific subtle suggestion of blackberry on the tongue. Some tartness indicating to me the acid level. However, tannins--which I called out four years ago--are completely resolved. Some rear palate herbal or woody sensations. A big mouth filling full-bodied wine.

4/4/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Charming slightly tart—think not quite ripe--. red fruit on the tip/edges of the tongue. A very pleasant savoriness—more Syrah-like than Zinfandel. A medium-bodied wine with a similar leanish mouthfeel. Acid, alcohol, fruit and tannin all seem to be well-balanced—none of those dominate. I think this is one terrific wine.

4/2/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Maybe that is wine this bottling seems so distinctive compared to Zins from other AVAs. The first sensation my tongue detects is salinity. Then I do get some dark fruit, but definitely not fresh ripe fruit. Rather it is dried fruit--think prunes or raisons but without sweetness. Some mid-palate vine sensations. A mouth filling wine that I enjoyed.

3/28/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Dark plum color. PS is usually dark. I have, in fact, seen examples that were darker than this one. Dark, again, fruit aromas, with something like damp moss. On the tongue a pleasant level of red (You thought I was going to say “dark,” didn’t you.) fruit—strawberry more than anything else. Then I realized two things: this is a big full-bodied wine and it is still fairly tannic. I am really loving this. Lots of “woodiness” under the rear palate,

3/26/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Beautiful CS deep plum color in the glass. Lively, compelling nose with lots of greens--olives, chard. A big mouthful of wine--typical CS dark fruit, but with absolutely no hint of "sweetness." As the wine passes back, I get the slightest hints of things like licorice, vanilla, charcoal, The latter may be derived from still sturdy drying tannin. Very long, pleasing finish. Winner, winner.

3/16/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

The initial taste seemed spot on for what I assume to be a Bordeaux blend-- unsweet blackberry/blueberry. I detected cocoa under the mid-palate. It did seem to have a somewhat "light" mouthfeel--more PN-like than CS. Then, again that might be my Napa Valley prejudice emerging. It is possible that I might not appreciate the classic Claret style.

3/11/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

This is a terrific if unconventional wine. Most CA wines express their fruit with a "sweet" sensation, Not this one. My initial impression was that there was no fruit--stone or mineral, but not fruit. On subsequent sips I detected slightly tart stone fruit, but, again, no sweetness. Quite dusty tannins. Not particularly elegant, but a satisfying robust wine.

3/10/2023 - EMark Likes this wine:

Attractive translucent red color. Fairly big aromatics suggesting florals and red fruit. Very light introduction on the tongue--suggestions of red berries--strawberry, cherry--but also with a pleasant background minty sensation. Terrific acidity makes this a refreshing and, seemingly, young wine. Baking spices (I get that a lot with PN.) sensations under the rear palate. While I detected no sweetness on my tongue, the finish seemed sweet(ish). Interesting and quite pleasant.