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
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.
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.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
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.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
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.
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