94 Points - Chris Sawyer "Sommelier to the Stars"
This is one of those powerhouse California blockbuster blends that just works. It just begs you to bring some to the party, splash it around, you get the idea. Approachable now or cellar for up to a decade... if you can wait that long. Grab a handful, bring on the meats and enjoy!
Food Pairings: To match the lavish flavors and grip in this brilliant blend, serve this wine with blue cheese aside nuts and dried fruits, charcuterie, risotto with wild mushrooms, juicy burgers, roasted squab, pan-seared duck with blueberry reduction sauce, Korean barbeque, gamey meats, or Osso Buco.
Varietals: 76% Petite Sirah and smaller portions of Zinfandel, Grenache & Syrah
Appellation: Mendocino County
Alcohol: 14.8% by volume
Total acid: 6.59 g/L
pH: 3.65
Aging: 20 months on American oak
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.
94 Points
Opulent dark fruited with blackberry and ironstone mineral character, blue fruit notes, and violets with crushed cocoa nibs nuances and a long dark chocolate and mineral-scented finish. Ultra delicious and quite lengthy.