Deep ruby in color, with aromas of mixed berries, vanilla, cherry, and toasty oak on the nose. The palate is lush and ripe, with flavors of blueberry, blackberry, plum, and vanilla. There is just a hint of tobacco with nice spice and good acidity to balance out the considerable richness and extraction. This wine pairs really well with grilled meats, or even solo by the glass. Aged to perfection and ready to impress.
Share with friends, and thoroughly enjoy this delightful Zinfandel all year long. If you were lucky enough to get some of the 2012 or 2013 vintages, then you know how delicious this wine is. GREAT stuff, killer price!
Starr Road Vineyard
Starr Road (BLOCK 5) Vineyard was planted in 1920 in the Russian River Valley. For nearly 100 years, it's been delivering juicy, jammy, spicy, and full bodied deliciousness. It's always a treat to get your hands on some Old Vine Zinfandel. One wonders what the original growers were thinking, planting just after alcohol had been banned, but whatever their plan, the result is that we have amazing wine coming from vines that are nearly 100 years old.
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vineyard: Starr Road Vineyard, planted in 1920
Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Aging: 18 months, new and used America and French Oak.
Alcohol: 15.5%
Production: 250 Cases
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
