ShirazapaLooza!/ZinfandelpaLooza!
2008 Chris Ringland Shiraz (Barossa Valley) Australia
“This is the third vintage of Chris Ringland Cote Rotie Shiraz. The 2008 was sourced from 20-60 year old Barossa vines and aged in seasoned American oak hogsheads. Deep purple-colored, it emits a captivating, already complex nose of smoke, incense, Asian spices, and blueberry. Velvety-textured, intense, full-bodied, and powerful on the palate, this rich effort will drink well for another 8-10 years. It is a steal at the modest asking price.” Rated 92 The Wine Advocate
2004 Hentley Farm The Beauty Shiraz Barossa Valley
The 2004 The Beauty is a blend of 97% Shiraz and 3% Viognier. This Australian version of a Rhone Valley Cote Rotie is an exotic, in-your-face, exuberant wine boasting abundant floral notes intermixed with litchi, black raspberries, cassis, sweet oak, and a hint of graphite. Displaying great palate presence along with an unctuously textured, full-bodied mouthfeel, and low acidity, this stunning wine should be consumed over the next 7-8 years. This red is a concentrated, full-throttle effort representing a classic example of Barossa winemaking, and, like so many Australian and New Zealand wines, it is finished with a screw cap. Rated 92-95 by The Wine Advocate
2002 Schulz Benjamin Shiraz Barossa Valley
“The inky/ruby/purple-tinged, opulent, blockbuster 2002 Shiraz Benjamin offers up sweet scents of smoked herbs, blackberries, and meaty, earthy undertones. Filled with flavor intensity as well as substance, this rich, full-throttle Shiraz will drink well for 7-8 years. This stunning 2002 Shiraz is performing even better than it did last year.” Rated 93 by The Wine Advocate
2001 Reilly’s Stolen Block Shiraz Clare Valley Australia
“The sensational 2001 Shiraz Stolen Block exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to concentrated blackberry liqueur notes intermixed with melted licorice, pepper, and a hint of wood. This stunningly proportioned, thick, juicy Shiraz will provide enjoyment during its first 10-11 years of life.” Rated 92 by The Wine Advocate
2003 T-Vine Zinfandel (Napa Valley) California
“Luxuriant blackberry fruit is the centerpiece of this very rich and well-filled Zinfandel and stays comfortably ahead of oak, a bit of milk chocolate and the sweet, slightly jammy elements that full ripeness inevitably brings. There is little in the way of subtlety or real elegance about the wine, yet it shows an uncommon sense of palatal polish with fine-grained tannins providing a nice bit of grip to its lengthy finish. Its up-front fruitiness makes it hard to resist, but there is room here for improvement, and a couple of years of patience is advised.” Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wines
2003 Copain Zinfandel Arrowhead Mountain (Sonoma County) California
“Winemaker Wells Guthrie has quickly developed a following for his wines. His Arrowhead Mountain Zinfandel, sourced from rocky slopes approaching 60 degrees is not for the mainstream drinker. The aromatic and flavor profile are more intense than your average Zinfandel. An incredibly decadent nose of roasted coffee bean, smoky meat, caramel, and stone fruit blossoms. On the palate, flavors are violet, lavender, black currant, and tarry black cherry. The overall feel of this wine is lush and exotic.” Rated 93 VinFolio
2004 Sosabe Cellars Zinfandel (Lodi) California
“Pronounced (Soh-saa-bee) meaning fun in the Cape-Verdean language is the essence and inspiration of our wines. Well balanced, with flavors, smoothness and complexities, enjoyable for any occasion. Sosabe Cellars is a boutique family owned winery located in St. Helena. Founders Nuias and Sabino de Pina have a long lineage in Napa Valley, dating back to the 1930s when their grandfather and great uncle emigrated from Cabo Verde Island and settled in California. Early in his career, Nuias learned all aspects of winemaking as Cellar Master at Raymond Vineyards. Falling in love with the industry, he studied viticulture and enology to fulfill his vision of having his own label. His younger brother Sabino joined him to establish Sosabe Cellars.” prestige.premiergroup.net
2007 Coturri Zinfandel Testa Vineyards (Mendocino County) California
“Old vine grapes and traditional old school wine. Ripe, chocolaty nose, deep color, sweet middle and a nice balancing acidity. The classic Coturri style. A little more complex and a little more style and restraint than early offerings, but very enjoyable. It will be a hit with those that love our Zins. Matches well with winter stews with lots of herbs and spices, Crab Cioppino, strong soft ripening cheese and blue cheese, and bitter sweet chocolate desserts. To me the perfect match for this wine is to serve it late in the afternoon with an aged Gorgonzola and crusty French bread. 180 cases produced.” coturriwinery.com