92 Points – Wine & Spirits
The 2007 Collier Falls Private Reserve Zinfandel is a surprisingly light burgundy color, belying the rich flavors to follow. The nose shows a mix of red and black berry flavors, baking spice, and a hint of vanilla from the American oak used in the blend. The palate is medium to full bodied, with black cherry, raspberry, and black pepper, finishing with jammy fruit flavors. While this is a big wine, it has plenty of acidity to keep it in balance. This is a classic example of Zinfandel, showing all the hallmark flavors, so for fans of Zinfandel, this is one that is sure to please, and is a steal at this price, where you seldom find this level of refinement and concentration.
Wine Maker Notes:
From the first inhale this dark yet graceful wine displays soft and inviting layers of ripe fruit. Blackberry and strawberry on the nose are followed by flavors of red licorice and raspberry. A toasty finish and lush mouthfeel make this wine a sensual compliment to any meal.
AVA: Dry Creek Valley
Blend: 100% Zinfandel
Harvest date: September 6, 2007
Harvest sugar: 28.7 Brix
Bottling date: February 2009
Release date: October 2011
pH: 3.65
TA: 0.56 g/100mL
Alcohol: 15.7%
Aging: 15 months in American oak (one-third new barrels).
Fermentation: Cold soaked for 48 hours in a small stainless steel tank. Pumped over twice daily during the fermentation process.
Racked: Twice during the aging process and once at bottling.
Cases: 725 cases produced.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
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