Ridge Vineyards- The grandfather of single vineyard field blends wines still produced in the way they were decades ago, albeit somewhat riper due to the climate and improved farming practices. American oak and gentle ripeness are the two identifying marks of these wines which tend to show rather vineyard specific characteristics that marks the finest Zins. Everybody should try a few Ridge Zins, particularly ones with some age on them to see the full potential of this grape, or more appropriately fields blends based on it.
A bit stinky in the nose, earthy and very dark with crushed berry fruit accented by light pepper and ink notes. Crisp entry and then quite tense in the mouth with a bit of wood tannin sticking out early on the palate. The fruit here, a little spicy and red, is quite clear if tight and rather soil driven supported by bright acids and small if slightly hard tannins that extend out on the long, mineral driven finish,. This seems to still be a bit disjointed and though it shows promise is missing a little something. 88pts
Beautiful on the nose with bright wild berry fruit framed by floral and mineral, and smoky top notes. Rich and powerful on entry, this is already very complex with sweet tart berry fruit framed by a little ash, briar and wood spice on entry. gaining focus in the mouth I love the tannins here, angular and craggy as they support the core of dark, inky bramble berry fruit. Just explosive on the mid-palate where the core of dark oily fruit is remarkably fresh and deep all leading to a long finish that shows off a little chocolatiness of the oak. 92pts
A little spicy on the nose with super crushed berry fruit, a little poppy seeds, maybe even some fennel adding a provençal hint to the layered blackberry and brambly fruit with red fruit highlights. This has superb balance, clear and soil driven up front with fruit that hints at black currant, then soil and spice tones with a hint of dried herbs on the midpalate. Tannins are ripe and slightly pointy, acid is firm lending a tart note to the flavors, finishing with energy and fine tannins. Broad shouldered and narrow waisted with just terrific purity to the fruit and tannins show upon the finish. Vibrant and alive, this is great Zin. 94pts
Ripe with licorice and plum fruit on the nose, then turning spicy and showing a touch of caramel evolution. Bright and vibrant on entry with tart acids supporting fruit that's right on the line between fresh and aged retaining plenty of lightly peppery red fruit and softer, ripe plum notes emerging on the palate. The tannins are really silky at this point, probably pretty much at peak and turning a bit earthy on the modest finish and rather structure driven, with some bubble gum vanilla and bay leaf oak showing through. 88pts
Vanilla toned and fresh with creamy currant aromas along with some licorice, and tart red fruit notes,. Decidedly fresher than the Mazzoni, soft and silky on the palate with blue fruit that is a bit inky,though fresh and focused. This is easy to drink and rather zesty with fine cut on the palate, tannins that are supple and ripe lending a touch of fullness to the palate, which picks up a hint of herbal quality. It’s a bit short on the finish but pretty. I could see serving this slightly chilled for a summer’s BBQ. 89pts
Stemmy, herbal and complex on the nose which retains plenty of fresh fruit while showing wonderful integration of the oak. On entry this shows a little caramelly and dried plummy fruit character, soft, then brightening on the palate it’s definitely showing some evolved fruit here, all dark and deep small berried black fruit, with the tannins fairly resolved. With it’s savory liquorice and minty notes this tastes Italian. Drink up. 87pts
Still youthful and fruity on the nose with a fine underlay of fresh spicy wood and vanilla aromas. Still tight, and fairly taut, on the palate this shows off fine balance, this opens with a bit of char then reveals dried cherry fruit, floral tones, red fruit, pomegranate seeds, raspberry, soil tones,and a bit of chocolate all unravelling from the core. Ultimately this is very young but at the same time it is clear and superbly vibrant, briary,and a little inky on the backend, and through the long finish which shows a little nutty, nutella, cocoa character. This is entering its peak drinking window. Enjoy it over the coming 5 years or so. 92pts
Simply gorgeous aromatics, all dried strawberry and raspberry supported by tobacco and woodspice and tart red fruit. Broad, chewy and rich in the mouth with gorgeous fruit that is vibrant and clear, supported by polished little tannins. the structural balance here is really wonderful, though this needs another 2 to 3 years, it is already fabulous if a little chunky on the backend that pops with raspberry and red cherry flavors leading to a long, vibrant finish. Classic Geyserville in the making. 93pts
Comments
Eater
Hi. Have you heard of C.G. DiArie Vineyards? I would like to hear about them if anyone has any experience with them. Thanks.
Nov 05, 2013 at 11:23 AM
Ever heard of as Robles? Wow!
Nov 05, 2013 at 3:31 PM
ver
I have been to DiArie Vineyards about two years ago. They do have quite a few good zins.
Nov 05, 2013 at 3:45 PM
Foxall
I've said it elsewhere: That Seghesio Rockpile is from a vineyard that produces some great Zins. They are not allowed to vineyard designate it (only the owner of the property has SVD privileges on his grapes), but it is single vineyard. And now that Seghesio has been sold, the contracts have terminated and that wine will no longer be available. So buy the 2011 (and maybe there is a 2012 in the pipe) because you will never see it again. At $35, it's a relative steal--the other bottling from that vineyard will be selling for 7-10 more.
Nov 05, 2013 at 3:54 PM
I have had a few DiArie wines and they are darned good. Snooth Forum regulars will confirm that I am a Zinfandel bigot. However, I think that the best DiArie that I have tried was a Barbera.
Nov 05, 2013 at 7:40 PM
Foxall
DiArie is also, from what I hear, a really nice guy. He comes down to Oakland to do tastings, but I've never managed to get to those.
One thing not mentioned in the article: The Dashe Enfant Terrible used to be made with no sulfites added during bottling. So it was volatile and had to be drunk young, hence the name and also the style. Don't know if it is still done that way, as I haven't had it in a bunch of years. And that Lily Hill is my favorite Bella, to be sure.
Nov 05, 2013 at 7:51 PM
2nd Comment. As a big fan of the Ridge Lytton Springs bottlings, I was impressed with your opinion of the 2011, Greg. I was really disappointed with the 2010. So, I guess I'll start stocking up on the 2011.
Also, I guess I should give a shout out for the Southern California wine--the Carol Shelton Cucamonga Valley. About a year and a half ago, we were dining with a friend from North Carolina and saw that on the list. I really do not recall what vintage it was, but I thought it would be neat to try a local wine. A total fruit bomb. I was really disappointed. However, I'll keep an eye out for this 2010
Nov 05, 2013 at 8:28 PM
Did you even go anywhere near Paso Robles? Only some of the finest Zin I've ever had.
Nov 05, 2013 at 10:14 PM
Nothing from Amador here, unless I missed it somewhere. That is a great, historical region with vines going back to the Gold Rush and a great value ratio as they have remained affordable. The best vineyard in my experience is Deaver who makes their own limited bottlings and sells to a few others, notably Montevina D'ell Oro.
Nov 05, 2013 at 10:24 PM
So many great wineries in Paso Robles, where grapes are often sourced for award-winning wineries in (you guessed it), Napa Valley!
True, many of them in Paso are embracing the Rhone Rush (and why not?), but the region is still much about Zinfandel, and they do it well! Check out the Zinfandel Festival, March 14-16 in 2014, but the best time is year-round, when you can more leisurely chat with the winemakers.
And bookmark Paso Robles Magazine to download (free) monthly issues for all the happenings. This weekend is all about the Paderewski Festival with wines, a vineyard tour, classical and jazz music performances by some amazing world-renown artists.
Paderewski was a brilliant composer, pianist, and former prime minister to an independent Poland. He grew grapes in Paso on over 2,000 acres and really kick-started the region for his Gold medal Zinfandels. Today, Epoch Estate Wines has resurrected Paderewski's old vineyard and also purchased the historic York Mountain Winery. Their wines fly out the door as soon as they're released...they're that good!
Nov 05, 2013 at 10:47 PM
My favorites are Turley and Klinkerbrick by far!
Nov 06, 2013 at 8:53 AM
I agree. Turley is the best! Will have to try Klinkerbrick. Thanks for the tip!
Nov 06, 2013 at 1:04 PM
GDP - you gotta have at least 1 Lodi Zin in that line up...Klinker, Fields, McCay, M2 - some beauties at some great price points
Nov 06, 2013 at 1:23 PM
Dal Piaz
Fair enough folks. There are great Zins produced in Mendocino, Lodi, Paso and the Sierra Foothills. The greatest concentration are still in Sonoma, and those are some of my favorites. But, I'll make a point of planning on a trip next year that visits the rest of the state in search of great Zins!
Nov 06, 2013 at 3:58 PM
Had some great examples of Plavac Mali made by Dubokovic in Hvar, Croatia. Plavac Mali is said to be the earliest form of what is now known as zin
Nov 06, 2013 at 4:56 PM
Been there...Drank them! You're right GDP; Sonoma (Dry Creek) is the Disneyland of Zins. But you failed to recognize two of the top producers of the juice. Mazzocco (a block from The Ridge) and Wilson Wineries’ are the TOPS in my book, and also that of this past year's Harvest Fair, garnering over 40 Best of Class, Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. Winemakers Antoine Favero at Mazzocco and Diane Wilson at Wilsons (International Women's Winemaker of the Year a few years ago), do the best job in crafting their wines that I've tasted anywhere...bar none! Another great producer in the Valley is Tom and Bruce Cousins Armida Winery. The "Tina's Block" Zin from Tom and Tina Maple's vineyards (arguably the best Zin vineyard in California), is a stand out...and sells out FAST! Also, don't forget Martinelli's great juices, J&L and Jackass. A couple of the better Zins I've found in the Sierra's belongs to Terra-Rouge/Easton Winery (Check out the cover of September's WE), and Bella Grace's Old Vine Zin. Easton also produces some of the best Syrah's around. Lodi and Paso are both great Zin farms. A couple you might try are Klinkerbrick's Old Ghost and Michael-David's Gluttony in Lodi. Two very different wines but both are simply fantastic. I’ve been to all but 17 wineries in the Dry Creek/ Amador/El Dorado and Lodi areas, which I’ll knock off a couple of those this weekend. GDP, if you need a traveling partner on your next road trip, I'll be glad to navigate!
Nov 07, 2013 at 6:05 PM
"Had some great examples of Plavac Mali made by Dubokovic in Hvar, Croatia. Plavac Mali is said to be the earliest form of what is now known as zin"
Zinfandel is not the same variety as the Croatian variety Plavac Mali as stated above. It is, rather, the same variety as the Croatian variety Crljenak kastelanski, which has also been called Pribidrag and Tribidrag. And it's the same variety as Primitivo. Many names for the same grape variety. (Plavac Mali is actually the progeny of Crljenak Kastelanski and another Croatian variety called Dobricic.)
Nov 08, 2013 at 1:19 PM
My comment above cites UC Davis Geneticist Carole Meredith who was the person who genetically DNA fingerprinted Zinfandel to Crljenak Kastelanski.
Nov 08, 2013 at 1:24 PM
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