91 Points - International Wine Review
We have featured Willowbrook Wines many times in the past on WineHeist, and have consider them one of our finest sources of Sonoma Pinot Noir and Syrah, so it was no surprise to find their Zinfandel begging us for more. We were truly delight as we tasted the wine, as Willowbrook’s deft touch with Pinot and Syrah clearly carries over to Zinfandel as well.
The 2012 Willowbrook Pagnano Zinfandel, from a tiny vineyard just west of Santa Rosa, is brilliant ruby in color. The nose shows zinfandel’s typical mix of jammy berry aromas, along with notes of mint and earth. The palate shows plenty of sweet berry, but with complexity coming from notes of cherry, white pepper, and a hint of smoke. Vibrant acidity and round tannin contribute structure to the wine, and the finish is lush and bright at the same time. This wine shows that just because a wine is big, doesn’t mean it can’t be balanced, the hallmark of a great Zin.
APPELLATION: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
COMPOSITION: 100% Zinfandel
AGING: French Oak barrels
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
PRODUCTION: 140 cases
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.
