Winemaker's Notes
Once again, essentially only those who bought this as futures will have the pleasure of drinking it at home. This has revealed more of its structure than it did in August, which portends long life in the cellar, not unlike what the 1999 vintage did. It still has the signature stone-fruit character, but it has more depth and serious structure than some other recent vintages which should reward moderate patience. I will pour it at the open house to economize on your cellar and tease those who did not order it last August. That’s OK — there’s plenty good Zinfandel available in this offering. There are some bottles of 2005 Shale Terrace lurking about the cellar that are available as well — just ask.
Judi Scherrer –
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar – May 2010
Sexy scents of red and dark berries, cola, Indian spices and pungent herbs. Fleshy, gently sweet raspberry and cherry-cola flavors are framed by silky tannins and given lift by tangy minerality. This is already showing noteworthy complexity and finishes with impressive clarity and lingering sweetness. Scherrer told me that his is a relatively high pH wine, which I never would have guessed. 91 points. Josh Raynolds
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine– June 2009
Medium-dark ruby; attractive, herbal, cedary, tasty, raspberry fruit aroma; medium-full body; forward, slightly creamy, peppery, blackberry fruit flavors; medium-full to full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended. My score, 87 points. Nick Ponomareff