Winemaker's Notes
As I write this after bottling day, the 2016 as a sleek shape and is unusually restrained, yet still a textural expression of Zinfandel. The typical stone-fruit thing (nectarine or Santa Rosa plum skin), some subtle spice to support the stone fruits and appropriate structure to keep everything reined in are all there. I think it is unlikely if not impossible to make this kind of wine if the material is not naturally headed in that direction. I seem to always call this the Zin that wants to dress up as Pinot Noir – and it looks really, really good that way. It has a very cleansing, mouth-watering finish and makes one want to have some (more) food. This is probably an inconsistent wine for those of us who want to lose a few pounds because we will want to eat more while at the table until the bottle is empty.
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – June 2018
Medium to medium-dark ruby; attractive, forward, ripe, slightly spicy, strawberry and blackberry jam aroma with a note of black pepper; full body; moderately concentrated, red fruit flavors with good depth and acid balance; medium-full to full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable to drink now in its youth, though best to bottle age for another year or two. Very highly recommended. My Score: 17 [91/100], second place Nick Ponomareff
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – May 2019
The 2016 Zinfandel Scherrer Vineyard Shale Terrace is bold, savory and pleasantly rustic, offering plenty of varietal character and personality. Sweet tobacco, mint, dried flowers, leather and dried cherry add shades of nuance to this mid-weight yet muscular Zinfandel. As with all of these wines, there is a ton of character in the Shale Terrace. 91 points. Antonio Galloni