Stephen Redenbaugh

9.1

Ripe, deep red, rich and round. Nice balance of dark berry fruit and zippy acidity. Nice aroma of blackberry, plum and earth. One of California’s great QPV bargains. Burgers, sautéed Zucchini, and very fresh mashed potatoes…. Fall/winter comfort food and wine. — 3 years ago

Chris

8.9

Beautiful deep cherry red. Enjoyed as a casual sipper over grilled steak dinner. Syrah #2 for the evening. — 5 years ago

with Beth

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.1

Vibrant purple. Deep fruit character, subdued spice elements for Syrah. The main palate impression is of dense, extremely fine grained tannins than beg another sip. Paired w grilled lamb chops scented w garlic, oregano and rosemary, which seems an ideal match. — 6 years ago

David Shaw

9.0

This one is labeled “Heritage”, not Zinfandel Blend. Deep burgundy red, highly extracted pigment. Initially, herbal-briar notes in nose with hints of red fruit and funk. Soft, black currant, cherry and raspberry flavors with length, mild seed and skin tannins in finish. Over time, licorice emerges in finish with moderate to heavy skin and seed tannins. Decant at least three hours. Plum flavor emerges if you are patient enough — 6 years ago

Kiley Baker

Certified Specialist of Wine/Educator/Owner of Wine Genie LLC

9.1

Seriously good. Deep, dark fruit notes of blueberry and blackberry. — 7 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.1

Deep purplish ruby red. Lovely nose that needed a little time to open up with notes of violets, olives, blackfruits, and white pepper. Moderate tannins (6/10) and medium plus bodied. Elegant body with some pizzazz with lots of layers and complexity. Notes of baking spices, olive tapenade, anise, cinnamon, blackberries, and dark minerality. Long and extracted finish, definitely from the whole cluster press. Drink till 2023. (91+) — 7 years ago

with India

Jay Kline

9.5

A continuation of some 1981’s that I’ve been opening to celebrate my 40th and this might be one of the biggest revelations yet. Over the last 20 years of my education, I’ve had the honor of being humbled countless times by wines, both good and not so good. However, every now and again, a wine comes along that challenges basic conventions and broadens my perspective. This was such a wine. Popped and poured; served alongside an assortment of grilled fare. The cork was about as healthy I’ve seen from a wine at 40 years. It came out mostly intact save for a small piece that was easy to remove but it served as a reminder that I ought to spend the money on a Durand. The color is deep garnet with some ever so slight browning at the edge of the rim. There is some fine sediment towards the bottom of the bottle but it’s otherwise quite clear. The nose was immediately engaging and full of interest. Predominate notes of old leather, dark cherry, mushrooms, black pepper, tobacco, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, the wine was rich, redolent. A mix of dark, mostly desiccated fruit, pipe tobacco, and baking spices. The real star however was the structure. Everything was still in its right place. Tannins were noticeable though clearly softened with age and very well integrated at this point. The acid provided all the necessary lift and a perfect zip to the finish. A wine of supreme balance. The four of us who shared this bottle looked at each other in wonder and amazement. A truly special wine that has years of life ahead. I have little doubt that it will still be handsome at 50. — 4 years ago

Ely Cohn

9.4

Michael Cruse’s wines deserve more recognition than they receive. His single vineyard bottlings are spectacular. His style is lean, fruity, and a dedicated employment of whole cluster press.

This Evangelho Carignan has a deep purple color in a medium, full body. There is bright blackberry, oak, and sandalwood. Intensely concentrated, on the serious structured side of the spectrum for the Cruse portfolio. — 6 years ago

Robert S.

9.2

Deep purple in color, dark fruits on the nose with a hint of cocoa. Smooth mouthfeel with well integrated tannins. One of my favorite petite sirah's — 6 years ago

Ned Gray Creed

9.0

I don’t remember this one. Found the photo in my phone. The sign of a good Super Bowl party. — 7 years ago

Jamie Franklin

9.0

Deep semi-translucent garnet color and medium plus body with nice acidity. Black currant and sour cherry with a touch of leather leading to a smooth medium plus tannic peppery finish. Delicious and great value. — 7 years ago

Jody Scharf

9.2

Pepper, tobacco, dark grapes, some lavender. Great deep color and nose of light cinnamon. — 8 years ago

Steve Gerths

9.0

1896 vines. Deep red blackberry flavor. Just south of Geyserville in Alexander Valley — 4 years ago

Alton Komori

9.3

2016 - Luscious bouquet, deep garnet hue, great mouthfeel and long, smooth finish. — 5 years ago

Matt Perlman

9.0

Friendsgiving = Bedrock. Majority Zin field blend. Deep, saturated purple, plush texture, ripe cherries and plums, herbs and flower potpourri, energetic and fresh as always — 5 years ago

Aaron Rankin

9.1

Napa Syrah. Med+ acidity. Only 12.9% ABV. Hot Napa climate gives this deep, dark fruit. Nose has savory elements at first, that quickly dissipate, revealing black cherry. Reminiscent of Grenache. — 6 years ago

Armin Pfleiderer

9.3

Vintage after vintage, just a joy to drink! Deep, dark wild berries, a bright pop of acidity, and a touch of white pepper on the finish. Any wine from this co-op will not disappoint any Rhône lover. — 7 years ago

Martin Grisolle

9.1

Two in one picture, favorites from Dallas — 7 years ago

Wendy H

9.6

Raspberry jolly rancher crossed with a watermelon jolly rancher. Deep fruit, light body. I think I’m in love. — 8 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.3

@TheSkip this will be right up your alley.

Fun tasting at Weygandt Wines with John Lockwood. The last of four wines being poured.

Deep ruby red. Layered nose with iron from the get go with some spices, and dark red berries, a nice savory backend as well. Medium tannins (6.5/10) and medium plus bodied. Complex palate with lavender, black cherries, black olives and twigs. Solid acidity with dark gravel in the dry lingering finish. Definitely more of a Northern Rhone style Syrah. Drink till 2026

This wine is made up of 100% Syrah. 100% whole cluster and aged in neutral oak barrels (225L) for 12 months. Only 13.5% alcohol. — 8 years ago