A good, balanced and immensely drinkable aged zinfandel. Probably in its best condition and shape right now. Melancholy mouth feel with balanced acidity. Immediate dark fruits with prune and some fig. Medium length finish.
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Devin and I held an impromptu Christmas Veranda Time and were pleasantly surprised to have 35 people show up despite some surprise rain and week before the Big Day. We opened a total of six wines, three white, three red, trying to cover all the bases not knowing what pot luck side dishes would arrive. The main staple was a tomato based chicken orzo soup that was a hit.
Thank God the 70s and the sweet blush of white zin are a distant memory. This dry crisp red was really good. Deep dark inky purple after about 30 minutes open. Even though this is a bit long in the tooth (Drinking window 2009-2013), it presented really well. DNA has confirmed that the Zin grape is Italian but originated in Croatia, but who cares. I got raspberries and tree fruit on the nose. In the mouth the tingle of a typical Zin. A really nice wine that went with the 26 different types of cheese everyone brought. My favorite was the smoked Swiss when matched with this chewy red. I think proper and to much cellaring softened this as I did not get the tannins and acid everyone was commenting on below. If you have any left (I’m down to two) drink it now with a smoked gouda or smoked Swiss. Perfect.
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This was better than I anticipated from some of the recent notes. The fruit was less than if opened sooner, but the Tannins were smooth and the wine had very good balance with a grilled salmon.
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Dark purple-black in glass, pretty aromas of black fruit and smoke. In palate, flavors have peaked and passed, but notes of smoke and oak still dominate, with blackberry flavors moved to background, displaying original tarty nature. Acidity still lightly present, finish medium. Little Zinfandel typicity, not Grgich's best effort, but food-friendly at least.
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Unforgettable as a Zin, as suggested by other posters. No real character,body, spice or bite to this wine. As a blend, it's ok but not at the price point.
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A very disappointing Zin made worse by the relatively high price point. This wine has no character and was too light and fruity. I found myself checking the bottle again and again to make sure it was a Zin.
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Nice color in the glass, spicy and chewy, held my tongue well and rounded reasonably nicely though very little grape left in this wine, glad we crank it now.
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Popped & poured. Dark maroon hue. A bit earthy, barnyardy on the nose, with some dark red fruit & vanilla. Not fruit forward at all & the oak and alcohol dominate. This was a gift; I will not buy.
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Nose is lacking in fruit. Has a nice spicy oak component if you like that sort of thing. Taste of wild raspberries, vanilla, some cola and big tannins; heavy on the oak.
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We always enjoy this wine. We had a simple meal at home and thiswas a no brainer. Color inky puple subtle florals and sices on the nose. A pleasant zin.
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We served this at a company event at our home. It was one of 6 selections. Everyone who tried enjoyed it. It was described as spicy, and juicy. The color was appropriately dark inky purple. It will get a little better with time but I found it fun and good. We were serving in nice but plastic wine glasses so we could not comment on viscousity. good stuff
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We served this at a company event at our home. It was one of 6 selections. Everyone who tried enjoyed it. It was described as spicy, and juicy. The color was appropriately dark inky purple. It will get a little better with time but I found it fun and good. We were serving in nice but plastic wine glasses so we could not comment on viscousity. good stuff
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Like this but it is a little heavy on the oak. Cedar and brambly raspberries with a bit of vanilla on the nose. Taste was a black raspberry with pretty heavy tannins. OK balance. Not great QPR.
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A fine Zin but not spectacular. Would be really nice for $15. Unfortunately I paid more than twice that price. Was disappointed in the wine at that price point. Good tannic aftertaste, heavy fruit scent and taste. Just not very subtle or complicated. Kind of one dimensional. HAd some Cabernet Franc overtones - even though it was a zin.
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i completely ignored the grgich booth at the tasting a day earlier due to the recommendation of kevin. i presume he saved me the ignomy of posting two undrinkable notes in a row for this wine.
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My first trip to Napa, Ca.; 7/9/2009-7/11/2009: Blue and black berry pie flavors expressed on the nose and palate, large but balanced enough. Nice zin fruit on the palate with light acidity and low to no tannin. Enjoyable food wine, I am not a zin lover and this did not impress.
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Napa Valley, July 2009; 7/9/2009-7/11/2009 (Napa Valley, CA): This zin is said to be made in a "rustic style" and is dry farmed in the Napa Valley using less than 5% of the water used in typical irrigation in the region. The nose is full of bright cherries with a hint of citrus and some heat rising in the background. The cherries appear when tasted, as well as some nice tannins. The structure is lighter over all, especially for a zin, and the wine shows off some clean and pure fruit flavors that struggle with the heat noticed on the nose.
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Medium-to-deep ruby with red rim. Clean nose, showing moderately intense aromas of kirsch, raspberries and licorice. Medium-bodied on the palate, with low-to-medium acidity, medium ripe tannins and flavors which mirror the nose. The middle is a bit thin, but the mouth texture compensates with its silkiness. The finish is medium in length and fairly smooth. This is a pleasant, enjoyable $15 Zinfandel...unfortunately, it cost twice that amount! Low QPR. Drink now-12/11.
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9/15/2019 - tomoem wrote: 90 Points
A good, balanced and immensely drinkable aged zinfandel. Probably in its best condition and shape right now. Melancholy mouth feel with balanced acidity. Immediate dark fruits with prune and some fig. Medium length finish.
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12/19/2015 - ewineguy wrote: 90 Points
Devin and I held an impromptu Christmas Veranda Time and were pleasantly surprised to have 35 people show up despite some surprise rain and week before the Big Day. We opened a total of six wines, three white, three red, trying to cover all the bases not knowing what pot luck side dishes would arrive. The main staple was a tomato based chicken orzo soup that was a hit.
Thank God the 70s and the sweet blush of white zin are a distant memory. This dry crisp red was really good. Deep dark inky purple after about 30 minutes open. Even though this is a bit long in the tooth (Drinking window 2009-2013), it presented really well. DNA has confirmed that the Zin grape is Italian but originated in Croatia, but who cares. I got raspberries and tree fruit on the nose. In the mouth the tingle of a typical Zin. A really nice wine that went with the 26 different types of cheese everyone brought. My favorite was the smoked Swiss when matched with this chewy red. I think proper and to much cellaring softened this as I did not get the tannins and acid everyone was commenting on below. If you have any left (I’m down to two) drink it now with a smoked gouda or smoked Swiss. Perfect.
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5/10/2015 - bsclemson wrote: 86 Points
This was better than I anticipated from some of the recent notes. The fruit was less than if opened sooner, but the Tannins were smooth and the wine had very good balance with a grilled salmon.
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4/7/2015 - GarthWA wrote: flawed
This wine is no longer any good.
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5/10/2013 - Snoman wrote: 83 Points
Dark purple-black in glass, pretty aromas of black fruit and smoke. In palate, flavors have peaked and passed, but notes of smoke and oak still dominate, with blackberry flavors moved to background, displaying original tarty nature. Acidity still lightly present, finish medium. Little Zinfandel typicity, not Grgich's best effort, but food-friendly at least.
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4/23/2013 - PMcgovern Does not like this wine: 78 Points
Same as before, no where close to a Zin and a waste of good wine money.
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12/25/2012 - PMcgovern wrote: 83 Points
Unforgettable as a Zin, as suggested by other posters. No real character,body, spice or bite to this wine. As a blend, it's ok but not at the price point.
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5/1/2012 - PMcgovern wrote: 79 Points
A very disappointing Zin made worse by the relatively high price point. This wine has no character and was too light and fruity. I found myself checking the bottle again and again to make sure it was a Zin.
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4/25/2012 - bbmd10 wrote: 89 Points
Smooth, well balanced, not striking though in fruit nor spice.
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4/14/2012 - markbona wrote: 85 Points
Nice color in the glass, spicy and chewy, held my tongue well and rounded reasonably nicely though very little grape left in this wine, glad we crank it now.
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11/5/2011 - Jupiterfx wrote: 85 Points
Smooth, dry, mild bouquet, tobacco, blueberry, dirt
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10/14/2011 - Rickyd007 wrote: 70 Points
Was better... Will return my last 2 bottles
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5/1/2011 - The Wine Write wrote: 79 Points
Popped & poured. Dark maroon hue. A bit earthy, barnyardy on the nose, with some dark red fruit & vanilla. Not fruit forward at all & the oak and alcohol dominate. This was a gift; I will not buy.
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4/26/2011 - Xfactor wrote: 85 Points
Dried red fruits, okay nose, but short in palate and finish. Needed more integration, unbalanced.
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4/10/2011 - Texangles wrote: 75 Points
Tired, no longer a spicy zin
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12/14/2010 - Bellissimo wrote:
Nose is lacking in fruit. Has a nice spicy oak component if you like that sort of thing. Taste of wild raspberries, vanilla, some cola and big tannins; heavy on the oak.
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7/30/2010 - Moxie Marcy wrote:
Fruity but not jammy. Very refined, soft zin. Has become my favorite style of zin. Paired nicely with tri tip.
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5/5/2010 - ewineguy wrote: 90 Points
We always enjoy this wine. We had a simple meal at home and thiswas a no brainer. Color inky puple subtle florals and sices on the nose. A pleasant zin.
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4/21/2010 - ewineguy wrote: 89 Points
We served this at a company event at our home. It was one of 6 selections. Everyone who tried enjoyed it. It was described as spicy, and juicy. The color was appropriately dark inky purple. It will get a little better with time but I found it fun and good. We were serving in nice but plastic wine glasses so we could not comment on viscousity. good stuff
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4/20/2010 - ewineguy wrote:
We served this at a company event at our home. It was one of 6 selections. Everyone who tried enjoyed it. It was described as spicy, and juicy. The color was appropriately dark inky purple. It will get a little better with time but I found it fun and good. We were serving in nice but plastic wine glasses so we could not comment on viscousity. good stuff
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4/2/2010 - Redguy wrote:
Bought a 375 on sale from winery per the wife's request on our anniversary. An unpleasant barnyard funk, tart, disjointed, uninspired. Below average
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3/18/2010 - Bellissimo wrote: 87 Points
Like this but it is a little heavy on the oak. Cedar and brambly raspberries with a bit of vanilla on the nose. Taste was a black raspberry with pretty heavy tannins. OK balance. Not great QPR.
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1/2/2010 - LOML2008 wrote: 86 Points
A fine Zin but not spectacular. Would be really nice for $15. Unfortunately I paid more than twice that price. Was disappointed in the wine at that price point. Good tannic aftertaste, heavy fruit scent and taste. Just not very subtle or complicated. Kind of one dimensional. HAd some Cabernet Franc overtones - even though it was a zin.
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11/14/2009 - kstoddard wrote: 83 Points
Big Red! (Sportsman's): Garnet color. Earthy nose. Plumb, cherry and anise. Tart finish.
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11/14/2009 - jeff nowak wrote:
i completely ignored the grgich booth at the tasting a day earlier due to the recommendation of kevin. i presume he saved me the ignomy of posting two undrinkable notes in a row for this wine.
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8/16/2009 - KMoon wrote: 75 Points
Very disappointing zinfandel.
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8/4/2009 - Double-A Does not like this wine: 83 Points
Stemmy currant and barnyard nose. Full, rich, hot, and tannic palate; chewy, clumsy finish.
2.5/5
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7/9/2009 - gripNsip wrote: 85 Points
My first trip to Napa, Ca.; 7/9/2009-7/11/2009: Blue and black berry pie flavors expressed on the nose and palate, large but balanced enough. Nice zin fruit on the palate with light acidity and low to no tannin. Enjoyable food wine, I am not a zin lover and this did not impress.
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7/9/2009 - subtlet wrote: 88 Points
Napa Valley, July 2009; 7/9/2009-7/11/2009 (Napa Valley, CA): This zin is said to be made in a "rustic style" and is dry farmed in the Napa Valley using less than 5% of the water used in typical irrigation in the region. The nose is full of bright cherries with a hint of citrus and some heat rising in the background. The cherries appear when tasted, as well as some nice tannins. The structure is lighter over all, especially for a zin, and the wine shows off some clean and pure fruit flavors that struggle with the heat noticed on the nose.
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7/9/2009 - La Cave d'Argent wrote: 83 Points
Medium-to-deep ruby with red rim. Clean nose, showing moderately intense aromas of kirsch, raspberries and licorice. Medium-bodied on the palate, with low-to-medium acidity, medium ripe tannins and flavors which mirror the nose. The middle is a bit thin, but the mouth texture compensates with its silkiness. The finish is medium in length and fairly smooth. This is a pleasant, enjoyable $15 Zinfandel...unfortunately, it cost twice that amount! Low QPR. Drink now-12/11.
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