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SN: 88
Sausal Winery Zinfandel Alexander Valley Private Reserve 2009
Editorial Review by Gregory Dal Piaz:
Toasty on the nose but also quite spicy. Full of nuanced Middle Eastern spice notes of cumin, coriander and fenugreek along with some black pepper, all over some fudgy black raspberry fruit. Rich, round and creamy in the mouth with super fine tannins and enough acidity to keep the raspberry and cherry fruit fresh. This has a lovely texture, at once both tense and soft, with some nice earthy nuances creeping in on the back end along with a nice base note of old wood. The moderate finish is very fresh and crisp, full of high-toned cherry and raspberry fruit along with subtle old wood accents. I wouldn’t mind a bit more acidity and length, but this is pretty attractive. 88pts
Add winemaker's notes
Just outside of Healdsburg on Hwy 128 in the heart of Alexander Valley you will find Sausal Winery, a small family owned winery that produces award winning wine. Owned by the Demostene Family, Sausal Winery consistently produces premium estate bottled Old Vine Zinfandels (Family Zinfandel, Private Reserve Zinfandel, and Century Vine Zinfandel), Estate Sangiovese, and Estate Cabernet at reasonable prices.
Editorial Reviews for Sausal Winery Zinfandel Alexander Valley Private Reserve
Toasty on the nose but also quite spicy. Full of nuanced Middle Eastern spice notes of cumin, coriander and fenugreek along with some black pepper, all over some fudgy black raspberry fruit. Rich, round and creamy in the mouth with super fine tannins and enough acidity to keep the raspberry and cherry fruit fresh. This has a lovely texture, at once both tense and soft, with some nice earthy nuances creeping in on the back end along with a nice base note of old wood. The moderate finish is very fresh and crisp, full of high-toned cherry and raspberry fruit along with subtle old wood accents. I wouldn’t mind a bit more acidity and length, but this is pretty attractive. 88pts
Earthy and woodsy on the nose, with jammy wild cherry fruit topped with vague black pepper and medicinal notes. Opulent and rich in the mouth, this shows lots of fruity, juicy Gummi blackberry fruit with a gentle gaminess. The tannins are firm, adding a touch of earthiness on the palate and gentle coarseness to the moderately long finish. 88pts
Member Reviews for Sausal Winery Zinfandel Alexander Valley Private Reserve
Add your reviewSmells like a fruit bomb (cherries), and very woody as well. Extremely smooth and very fruity, with perfect tannins.
This dark garnet wine shows amber around the edges that touch the glass. Very tannic when first opened but after a 1/2 hour to an hour open this wine comes into its own. The tannins dissipate and the nose opens up. Dark fruits and some hints of green tea and pepper are present in this big wine. The finish is long but turns a touch bitter at the end. Over all an impressive bottle of wine for the price.
A very nice and balanced zin that is almost cab-like with its tannins and structure. Dark fruit dominates this wine.
A very enjoyable Sonoma zin, not very spicy but a very nice table wine.
External Reviews for Sausal Winery Zinfandel Alexander Valley Private Reserve

Wine Spectator ReviewRated 91Supple but well-structured, with an underlying briary quality. Offers dusty cherry and white pepper aromas and nicely layered ripe plum, loam and anise flavors that finish with zesty, sage-tinged tannins. Drink now through 2012.

Supple but well-structured, with an underlying briary quality. Offers dusty cherry and white pepper aromas and nicely layered ripe plum, loam and anise flavors that finish with zesty, sage-tinged tannins. Drink now through 2012. 3,050 cases made. ... Wine Spectator. A Zinfandel wine from California in USA. 2005 Sausal Zinfandel 750ml
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