Kendall-Jackson Syrah Vintner's Reserve 2003

Due to the long ripening time and the penetrating intervals of afternoon sun, the Belloni Zinfandel is deeply colored with an intense odor and the flavor character of boysenberries and blueberries, mingled with the traditional spice and smoky characteristics of Zinfandel. The luscious qualities of the wine make it delicious and ready to drink when it is young, but cellaring for five to seven years will contribute substantially to the wines complexity.

Excellent wine. Wonderful flavor. Nice overtones.

August 2007

Great wine for the price. Very smooth.

September 2007

Not Yet tried

July 2009

This wonderful old vineyard on Moon Mountain has been owned and meticulously cared for by the Martini family of Louis Martini winery since 1938. The turn of the century vines that produce these Zinfandel grapes are picture perfect with their long, graceful, head-pruned arms and their hillside setting overlooking the Sonoma Valley. Traditional folklore in the Sonoma Valley dictates that planting red grapes in the red volcanic soils of these mountains will produce terrific red wine. The wine from this vineyard is a testimony to that wisdom. Deep, rich, dark color hints of the concentration read more...of this wine. The nose of cherries, plums, leather, pepper and spice are a perfect introduction to the supple, round, full-bodied spicy flavors of Monte Rosso Zinfandel. There are few Zinfandel vines that rival the quality and complexity of the fruit from Monte Rosso. These are the kinds of grapes that produce wines that age well. These wines should develop delicious bouquet and subtlety in seven to ten years but are so well balanced and flavorful in their youth that they may not survive wanton infanticide by crazed Zinfomaniacs.    (hide)

This unique vineyard in Sonoma Valley is an extension of the Oak Hill Organic Farm, owned and operated for many years by the now deceased Otto Teller, a sage octogenarian who employed no pesticides or irrigation. The 110-year-old vines are situated on a gravelly, well-drained hill that receive a full share of summer sun as well as cooling breezes. The crop level is seldom higher than one and a half tons per acre, and this scant tonnage - combined with the ideal growing conditions - produces exceptionally intense, spicy fruit. A longtime favorite among hard-core Ravenswood fans, the Old Hill vineyard read more...was planted in the 1880`s in the Valley of the Moon, just north of the town of Sonoma. This vineyard is like your most comfortable pair of old shoes - unparalleled. It is wonderfully consistent, from year to year, in its ability to please even the most discriminating palate. Old Hill Zinfandel is Knockout nose combines sappy black fruits, black pepper and spicy, smoked meats; rather Rhone-like. Silky and sweet in the middle but with terrific flavor definition and cut. This has compellingly intense fruit and a very long, juicy, aromatic aftertaste. Would appear to be an outstanding vintage for this consistently excellent zinfandel bottling.    (hide)