A nice fully mature Zin, though it certainly will last longer. Almost no sediment, so pooped and poured. The pungent tree bark and cracked Tellichery black pepper I associate with this property are there, but not as prominent as the younger bottles Ive drunk. Some mountain blackberry fruit too. On the palate, it’s rich but pretty zesty on the tongue. The acids and some still present tannins account for that. Lingering dark fruit, bone dry, savory notes in the back half of the palate. Really nice balance for such a big wine. Only 14.5% alcohol, low for an old vine Zin.
A nice fully mature Zin, though it certainly will last longer. Almost no sediment, so pooped and poured. The pungent tree bark and cracked Tellichery black pepper I associate with this property are there, but not as prominent as the younger bottles Ive drunk. Some mountain blackberry fruit too. On the palate, it’s rich but pretty zesty on the tongue. The acids and some still present tannins account for that. Lingering dark fruit, bone dry, savory notes in the back half of the palate. Really nice balance for such a big wine. Only 14.5% alcohol, low for an old vine Zin.
Sep 25th, 2026Upper echelon Zin. Alc. kept reasonable at 14.5%. Nose has pure, perfectly ripe spicy blackberry, gravel, a whisp of high-toned smoke. Good ripeness in the mouth but balanced beautifully with surprising acids, which keep it buoyant. Tannins there but super-soft and just hanging out in the background. Reminiscent of the Zins of yore.
Upper echelon Zin. Alc. kept reasonable at 14.5%. Nose has pure, perfectly ripe spicy blackberry, gravel, a whisp of high-toned smoke. Good ripeness in the mouth but balanced beautifully with surprising acids, which keep it buoyant. Tannins there but super-soft and just hanging out in the background. Reminiscent of the Zins of yore.
1 person found it helpfulJan 9th, 2022
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
