"This wine has always found ways to skirt the high ripeness and extract that seem the norm for Zins from the Rockpile appellation, and this vintage stays true to the Shelton hand. Big but nicely mannered, it comes up as a sturdy, but appropriately balanced wine with blackberry fruit starting to bloom. A bit on the rough just now with fairly evident tannin and acid making themselves known, it, like its mates, deserves three or four years of cellaring." 91 points - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, January 2008
"This is that rare Zinfandel with class and structure, offering aromas of wild berry, pepper and mineral, dense flavors of dried cherry, sage and licorice. The tannins are rather firm for now. Best from 2008 through 2012. 650 cases made." 90 points - Wine Spectator, June 15, 2007 |