90 Points - Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine
The husband and wife winemaking team of Michael and Anne Dashe founded Dashe cellars in 1996. With experience around the wine world, including at such estates as Lafite-Rothschild, Ridge, and Cloudy Bay (among others), they decided for their own label to focus on Sonoma County Zinfandel. They believe (correctly, in our view) that Sonoma Zinfandel has a rightful place alongside the great wines of the world, and they prove it with each vintage. With a focus on low intervention winemaking and wines that are refined and balanced, they are way ahead of the trend toward lighter wines, especially in the world of Zinfandel where 16% alcohol fruit-bombs led the way in the early 2000s. Make no mistake, this still has all the fruit and richness you would expect from California, but by picking a little earlier Dashe is able to preserve freshness and the result is impeccable balanced wines.
The 2013 Dashe "Florence Vineyard" Zinfandel, offers aromas of beautiful red fruit notes of raspberry and black cherry, blending with more floral notes of lavender and violets. Wild cherry and red raspberry fruit, almost cranberry-like in vibrancy. The bright fruit flavors are followed by spice notes of thyme, rosemary, mineral, and white pepper. Finishes with persistent raspberry and cranberry fruit flavors.
PRODUCTION
Hand-sorted grapes and ferment on their native yeasts, they do not fine or manipulate the wine before bottling. The result is an intense and complex wine that feels velvety and round on the tongue, rather than harsh or tannic. In 2013, the grapes were harvested relatively early, and the bright fruit flavors were enhanced by a moderate alcohol level of 13.5%.
The wine was aged for 14 months in neutral French oak barrels, and only 302 cases were bottled. This is an ideal wine to have with tomato-based sauces, grilled meats such as lamb, or any other food that can stand up to its substantial fruit.
Vintage: 2013
Varietal: 98% Zinfandel; 2% Petite Sirah
Vineyard: Florence Vineyard
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
Cooperage: Barrel Aged over 14 months French Oak
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 302 cases
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.
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.
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.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
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.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
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