2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Zinfandel

2013 Ulises Valdez St. Peter’s Church Zinfandel

with No Comment $30-$40Alexander ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUSAZinfandel

ULISES VALDEZ 2013 Valdez St Peter's Church Zinfandel

2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH

When comparing the Ulises Valdez St. Peter’s Church Zinfandel to all of the others that I’ve tasted over the years, it’s number one in my mind, and for that reason it was a clear choice as my #4 wine in 2018.  Detailed, intense, penetrating, balanced are all perfect descriptors for this wine… The winery was founded by the late Ulises Valdez, one of California’s most sought after wine growers, revered for farming vineyards for Aubert, Kistler, Paul Hobbs and others.  When he wasn’t farming for California’s most elite vineyards, he was cultivating his dream of building a successful brand and his children continue in his legacy of hard-work, passion, and family.
 
Arising from a 5 acre vineyard in Alexander Valley that’s planted to nearly century old vines, this wine exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel. Rosenblum fans might also recognize this vineyard from single vineyard Zinfandels that they produced in the 1990’s.  I’ve always believed that “perfect” wines are exceptional to nearly everyone who tastes them, regardless of varietal.  This is one of those and this exemplary ancient vine Zinfandel absolutely shouldn’t be missed…
 
ULISES VALDEZ
2013 ZINFANDEL
ST. PETER’S CHURCH
Retails at:  $45.00/btl
 

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Tasting Notes: “This impeccably balanced zinfandel flaunts energizing flavors and aromas of ripe black cherries, concentrated pomegranate, and crushed blackberries with hints of white rose petals, cocoa powder and pipe tobacco. The perfect balance shines through with an amazing brightness that elegantly supports the richly focused flavors.  Simply stunning!“ 94 Points

2017 Armida Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

with No Comment $30 and underDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtSonomaUncategorizedUSAZinfandel

ARMIDA

2017 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY

 
One of my favorite attributes found in wines is a perceptible level of tension on the palate. Tension can highlight specific characteristics in a wine and contribute energy and complexity on the palate.  There are many winemaking tools and techniques that can be used to create it.  Utilizing multiple clones, varietals or vineyards can add tension. It can come from utilizing both younger and older vines, the use of different types of oak barrels or multiple fermentation methods.  Armida’s 2017 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel shows tremendous tension and was created from a mix of 2/3 old and 1/3 younger vines.  They source from over a dozen vineyard sources Dry Creek, both hillside and valley floor and most of them are farmed by 4th and 5th generation farmers.
 
Immersed in exceptional vineyards, this classic Californian Zinfandel perfectly portrays the essence of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel.  The winery ferments the grapes from each distinct vineyard separately before creating a masterful blend.  They also use a complex mix of American, Hungarian and French oak adding yet even more complexity.  At $23/btl, you simply can’t afford to miss this…
 
ARMIDA
2017 ZINFANDEL
DRY CREEK VALLEY
 
Your Price: $23/btl 
 
 
Winery Notes: “Inky black with brash and seductive blackberry, plum, and smoky oak aromas. Bold, rich flavors of black-cherry jam, raspberry, cola, mocha and anise are wrapped in a warm blanket of vanilla spice and oak. A muscular yet balanced wine finishing long and sweet.“
Zinfandel 90% | Petite Sirah 10%
 
 
Customers who enjoy Armida Dry Creek Zinfandel may also enjoy these two terrific Reds… 
2015 Westwood Legend Proprietary Red 2016 Prisoner Wine Co Saldo Zinfandel
WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at:  $44.00/btl
 

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From Tasting Panel: “… (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) … The perfume is primarily floral: gardenia, red rose petals – with accents on red plum and an echo of black pepper. The palate is a silk road with gritty chocolate tannins. But the ruby slippers that carry you down the path bursts with red plum, dark chocolate cherries, exotic jasmine and grilled meat with soy sauce. The finish is pleasurable with a creamy cedar note.”  95 Points
SALDO
2016 ZINFANDEL
PRISONER WINE CO.
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
 
Your Price: $27.99/btl

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Wonderfully alive on the palate, the 2016 expresses vibrant red fruit, crushed pepper, blueberry liqueur and cocoa dusted cherries. Winemaker Chrissy Wittmann is really showing her obvious talent in this remarkably balanced, yet full-bodied Zin, which arrives loaded with vibrancy and is layered with excitement.  A serious value, the retail price has remained nearly unchanged since their first vintage back in 2007.
2016 Carlisle Mixed Pack Zinfandel

2016 Carlisle Dupratt & Montafi Vineyard Zinfandels

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtMendocino RidgeNorth CoastRussian River ValleyUSAZinfandel

CARLISLE

2016 ZINFANDEL(S)
DUPRATT & MONTAFI

2016 Carlisle Mixed Pack Zinfandel
Mavens at crafting ancient-vine Zinfandels, Carlisle perennially proves the greatness that can be achieved from heritage vines.  In reference to a bevy of world-class wines, Referencing Carlisle, Robert Parker states “Brilliant winemaking, a highly committed proprietor, and extraordinarily fair prices make Carlisle a no-brainer for wine consumers looking for fun.” High-scores and rare retail opportunities make them nearly impossible to obtain.  If you haven’t had an opportunity to experience wine from this iconic winery, here’s a great opportunity to do so…
Both Montafi Ranch and DuPratt Vineyard perfectly delineate the magnificent complexity and depth that can only be achieved through heritage vines.  One small swirl of the glass unleashes an intoxicating bouquet of remarkably intense, detailed fruits laced with abundant complexity.  Crafted in a deep, penetrating style that’s incredibly hedonistic and remarkably balanced, I highly recommend trying both… 

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2016 Carlisle Mendocino Ridge Dupratt Vineyard Zinfandel 2016 Carlisle Montafi Ranch Russian River Valley Zinfandel
CARLISLE
2016 ZINFANDEL
DUPRATT VINEYARD
Your Price: $47.99/btl
 
Tasting Notes: “Medium-dark to dark garnet-ruby. Aromas of red cherry, pomegranate, and underbrush gain strength with air. Quite juicy and succulent, flavors of red fruits and subtle vanilla notes are lifted by zesty minerality. The tannins are gentle but acidity (always the mark of this terroir) provides for ample structure. Surprisingly refined and elegant in this vintage. Drink from 2019 though 2028.”
CARLISLE
2016 ZINFANDEL
MONTAFI RANCH
Your Price: $47.99/btl

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Winery Notes: “Medium-dark to dark garnet-ruby. Noticeably darker than the 2015… an utterly compelling nose of red cherry and raspberry highlighted by notes of sage and underbrush. On the palate, the nobility of this great site shines through. Totally seamless. Perfect finish. Hard to ask for anything more from a wine, regardless of variety…. it should age quite well. Drink from release through 2027.”
2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel

2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSAZinfandel

GAMBA

2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE

Everybody loves being the guest that brings the best wine to the party…  All you need is a couple 15-packs of Gamba and you can be that person, every time.  Always a crowd favorite and proving to be top contenders on California’s Zinfandel scene, Gus Gamba’s old vine Zinfandels are quickly gaining world-wide acclaim.  After Robert Parker’s latest visit to the winery, he alerted readers, “… Gamba’s name is going to have to be included with some of the stars of Sonoma, such as Hartford Court, Carlisle, Bedrock and even the superstar Turley over in Napa. 
Gamba always crafts stunningly rich, wonderfully articulate Zinfandel that stems from ancient vines planted in 1900 and yields just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit.  Unsurprisingly, many of my Zin loving clients have proclaimed that Gamba Zin is The BEST wine in the world.  With another steep decline in production, I strongly recommend securing a case, before it’s too late. 
 
GAMBA
2016 ZINFANDEL 
ESTATE, OLD VINE
Retails at:  $52.00/btl
 
 
 
Winemaker notes: “The 2016 Gamba Estate Old Vine Zinfandel has elegant, violet, dried herb and inviting cherry aromas. The mouthfeel is savory and full, complete with subtle notes of sweet red cherry, tobacco, brown butter, and a delicious streak of baked dark fruits, making for a complex wine that’s enjoyable from start to finish. Ripe raspberry, cherry, and a delicious spicy undercurrent work together seamlessly to provide complexity and bold waves of persistent flavor.”
 
Customers that enjoy Gamba’s Old Vine Estate Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
2015 Carlisle "Carlisle Vineyard" Zinfandel

 
 2014 Tonti Family Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel
CARLISLE 
2015 ZINFANDEL
CARLISLE VINEYARD 
 
Your Price: $47.99/btl
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “…This is another killer wine, as it is always one of the top wines in his extensive and impressive portfolio. The alcohol is 15.3%, but that’s a minor component to this big, juicy, succulent, in-your-face, dramatic Zinfandel that boasts raspberry, black cherry, strawberry, licorice, tar, earth and roasted Provençal herbs. ….”   90-93 Points
TONTI
2014 RESERVE OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
 
 
Have you ever wondered what makes Old Vine wines unique?  There are two defining factors that when combined, become even more powerful.  Like humans, as vines age their circulation becomes weaker which results in smaller berries and more focused and concentrated flavors.  Older vines also have deeper root systems, which increases the complexity in the wine.  Perfectly expressing what Old Vines are about, Tonti’s Zinfandel is the delicious result of two ancient vineyards planted in the early 1900’s. 

Saldo 2016 Zinfandel Prisoner Wine Co.

with No Comment $30 and underDry Creek ValleyKevin VogtNapaUSAZinfandel
SALDO
2016 ZINFANDEL
PRISONER WINE CO.
Translated from Spanish, the word Saldo means balance.  The 2016 Saldo not only balances fruit from several of California’s most renowned appellations, but it perfectly scales the focused, jammy fruit, aromatic spices and round, plush tannins.  Wonderfully alive on the palate, the 2016 expresses vibrant red fruit, crushed pepper, blueberry liqueur and cocoa dusted cherries. Winemaker Chrissy Wittmann is really showing her obvious talent in this remarkably balanced, yet full-bodied Zin, which arrives loaded with vibrancy and is layered with excitement.  A serious value, the retail price has remained nearly unchanged since their first vintage back in 2007.
Fantastic vineyards encompassing six different appellations, including fruit from famed sites like the famed Grist Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley which Turley uses in a single vineyard Zin. The 2016 Saldo provides another seamless example of California Zinfandel, thoughtfully underlining many of the best qualities from each carefully chosen vineyard and Appellation.  If you love a rich, full-bodied yet balanced California Zinfandel, here it is.
SALDO
2016 ZINFANDEL
PRISONER WINE CO.
Retails at:  $32.00/btl
Your Price: $27.99/btl Click to Order
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(Upgrade your 15-Pack to UPS 3-DAY AIR for $39, Available in select States)
Winemaker Notes, “Dark ruby color with bold aromas of black licorice, black pepper, cherry, and baking spice. The entry is rich, full, and scintillating. The palate is mouthwatering and smooth with a hint of chocolate. The finish is voluptuous with soft, velvety tannins.”

 

PRISONER WINE CO.
2015 CUTTINGS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl
Hailing from renowned sites, including Ink Grade Vineyard on Howell Mountain, Prisoner Wine Company’s Cabernet Sauvignon Cuttings is a one-of-a-kind, dramatic, ostentatious effort that oozes with otherworldly intensity, wrapped in a voluptuous, satin texture.
PRISONER WINE CO.
2016 THE PRISONER
PROPRIETARY BLEND
Retails at:  $47.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl
A wine of unrestrained jubilance and infectious charm, the new 2016 Prisoner unshackles a bounty of deliciously elaborate flavors, and with even more vibrancy and determination. Having jail-break level intensity, the 2016 escapes powerfully from the glass, permeating with beautifully focused ripe cherries, wild strawberry, chocolate, and crushed violets.

Hendry 2014 Zinfandel Block 20 Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtMt VeederRedsZinfandel
HENDRY
2014 ZINFANDEL
BLOCK 28, NAPA VALLEY
 
We taste many different Zinfandels during our weekly tastings, and most of them have origins right in our own backyard… Dry Creek Valley, Russian River or Napa, but we’ve had some from as far away as Croatia.  Few Zinfandels strike me the way that Hendry’s 2014 Block 28 Zinfandel did.  Remarkably penetrating and perfectly balanced, giving way to waves of briary cherry and raspberry fruit, intermixed with holiday spices, cracked black pepper and violets.  The previous vintage was named one of the Year’s Best Zins by Wine & Spirits, and the vintage before that was honored as one of the top 100 wines of the year by the same publication.  I think the 2014 is even better, so don’t wait too long to secure a case.
 
Nestled at the base of Mount Veeder, the Hendry’s have been farming the same vineyard in Napa Valley since the 1930’s… The lessons learned after more than 75 harvests are almost palpable in this extraordinary Zinfandel.  Kept for 15 months in oak barrels, the 2014 is wonderfully long and vibrant, without being the least bit overripe, heavy or jammy. This awesome Zin would be a remarkable compliment to food or delightfully pleasing on it’s own.
 
HENDRY
2014 ZINFANDEL
BLOCK 28, NAPA VALLEY
Your Price: $36/btl Click to Order
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(Upgrade your 15-Pack to UPS 3-DAY AIR for $39, Available in select States)
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “As for the 2014 Zinfandel Block 28, this is a briary, berry-scented and flavored Zinfandel that spent 15 months in French oak. There is a touch of new oak in the background, the wine shows minerality and earthy, spicy strawberry and black cherry fruit.” 90 Points

 

Customers that would enjoy Hendry’s Block 28 Zinfandel, may also enjoy these two terrific Zins…
GAMBA
2015 ZINFANDEL
STARR ROAD RANCH
Retails at:  $49.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl
 
Fashioned from an organically farmed vineyard planted in 1920, the ancient vines have relied on winter rains as their sole source of irrigation for over 95 years.  Yielding just 1.5 tons per acre of strikingly intense, concentrated, pristinely focused fruit, the 2015 exhibits all the qualities that I look for in Old Vine Zinfandel.
CARLISLE
2015 ZINFANDEL
PAPERA RANCH
Your Price: $47.99/btl
From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, “A killer effort… from a vineyard planted in 1934…  Moreover, he clearly gives the fruit plenty of attention so that it can strut its ripeness and full-bodied character, given the fact that he rarely uses more than 20-25% new French oak, and of course, the wines are bottled with no clarification by fining or filtering. This should drink well for up to a decade or more.”
92-94 Points