90 Points - California State Fair
Sandole is our favorite kind of winery—small, family-owned, and based on Estate vineyards. They make just two wines, a Pinot Noir from their home ranch in the Russian River Valley, and today's offering, a Zinfandel from a tiny vineyard still within the Russian River appellation, but further north where warmer temperatures help the Zinfandel to ripen to it's full potential. The northern edge of the Russian River Valley, close to the southern part of Dry Creek is ideal in this respect, resulting in balanced yet powerful Zinfandel.
The 2008 Sandole RRV Zinfandel is medium garnet in color with the powerful fruit aromas you would expect from Zinfandel: cherry, blackberry, and even cranberry, along with a hint of toasty oak. The palate shows more berry and cherry flavors, joined by vanilla and baking spice. Medium bodied with good acidity, this classic Zinfandel ably balances powerful fruit with elegant structure. Perfect as grilling season really gets under way!
Vineyard
For over 100 years the Elsbree Family has farmed their mountainside ranch overlooking the Russian River Valley. Many of our distinguishing zinfandel aromas developed from their panoramic vineyard. The vines are perched in the rocky northeastern corner of the valley with a sunny view of the Russian River.
Winemaker Notes
To aid retention of natural fruit aromas every handpicked berry was carefully sorted and promptly de-stemmed into stainless steel for a five day cold-soak. It was aged in thirty-five percent new oak which helped to contribute exotic spices, superb concentration, and a youthful acidity to the wines creamy oak finish. This well-balanced structure will allow the wine to be enjoyed over the next five to ten years. An elegant zinfandel exhibiting the briary black fruit, blueberry and ripe strawberry notes typical of the region. A small addition of Petite Sirah rounded-out the mid-palate structure, enhancing warm cloves and pepper from the mature zinfandel fruit.
Composition: 98% Zinfandel, 2% Petite Sirah
Appelation: Russian River Valley
Harvest Date: September 04, 2008
Ph: 3.47
Total Acidity: 0.54
Alcohol: 15.5%
Cooperage: Aged in 35% new Appalachian Oak and 65% used French Oak
Release Date: May, 11 2010
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.
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.
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.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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.
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.
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