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.
93 Points
Deep red hue and hints of violet teasing the senses with seductive aromas of dark fruits, wild berries, cocoa, baking spices, leather, and cigar box. Filled with saturated flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cassis, cherry cola, ripe plum, chopped mint leaves, while the palate unfolds with rich tannin, juicy acidity, and flavors of cherry gastrique, berry coulis, herb mélange, and licorice.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
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.
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.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
91 Points
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
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.
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