Tag Archives: 2010

Nov22

Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel 2010

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Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel 2010

Our friends at Wine Chateau sent us a sample of this wine, and by the time it arrived at our door, the folks at Wine Chateau and in the rest of New Jersey had a nasty arrival at their doorstep in Superstorm Sandy. By the time of this writing, it’s good to hear that things are much better over there.

The Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage Vines Zinfandel 2010 (93% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah) was sourced from grapes all over Sonoma in a 2010 growing season that, in Sonoma County, was considered by many the most challenging in generations. It started with record-breaking low temperatures in the spring, late bud break, and 20 days of rain in May (double the historic average). Yields were down, and cool climate varietals fared the best. Despite this, winemaker Eric Cinnamon has nurtured a big, bold Zinfandel.

On the nose, the 2010 Heritage Vines Zinfandel is immediately generous on opening. Zin’s familiar ripe, jammy blackberry is supported by hints of blueberry jam. Licorice notes develop more gradually.

The ripe berry fruit continues through onto the palate, reminding me of what they call in Scandinavia queen jam (a mixture of raspberry and blueberry), licorice, and very subtle hints of toasty oak. Timid palates beware, this Zin packs some heat that at 14.9% alcohol shouldn’t sneak up on anyone.

The overall impression is a big, bold – almost decadent – Zin, and I’d say a classic take on the grape that has become a poster boy for the new world trend towards big wines. It pairs well with rich holiday meals with the plate stacked high with turkey and fixings.

At just under 13 bucks at Wine Chateau, this Zin also has bang for the buck.

About Rancho Zabaco:

The Rancho Zabaco brand is owned by EJ Gallo, the name is derived from Tzabaco Rancho, a historic Mexican land grant, though the brand has no apparent link to this history beyond location. The only red wine winemaker Eric Cinnamon’s team makes is Zinfandel. The winery is located in Modesto, California and was founded in 2001.

Jun25

2010 Stoneboat Chorus

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2010 Stoneboat Chorus

The chorus is the catchiest, most memorable part of many songs, and true to its name, the 2010 Stoneboat Chorus is a memorable blend.

An intriguing concoction of six grapes (Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Viognier, Muller Thurgau, Kerner, Schoenburger), the perfumed nose is promising of delicious, juicy tropical fruits. On the palate, it then surprises nicely with bursts with crisp green apple, trailed by softer hints of peach. The refreshing acidity nicely dominates the alcohol (12.3%). A perfect wine for the summer BBQ and patio under the sun.

Though a unique blend, the racy acidity and nature of the 2010 Chorus are characteristic of what I think to be true Okanagan whites, which this British Columbia region is becoming to be increasingly known for.

Stoneboat Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery in the Okanagan valley, in British Columbia, Canada. The valley is a source of some whites. If you’re not familiar with the wines from the Okanagan, which can be spectacular (see our article on James Suckling’s tasting of Canadian wines), get your hands on some if you can.

Sep15

Moon Curser

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Moon Curser


Moon Curser Vineyards is pushing the envelope on the grapes grown in the Okanagan Valley, and doing it under a bold new brand that’s turning heads. I was always a fan of the Twisted Tree brand, and was sad to hear it replaced, but upon seeing what took it’s place – Moon Curser – I was impressed not only by the unique design but the theme that is true to the region that is on the US/Canada border.

I had a chance to get to sip and see for ourselves the changes that are afoot, and the wines involved.

Afraid of the Dark 2010 (14.3% – Viognier 43%, Roussanne 42%, Marsanne 15%) expressed a gloriously tropical nose of mango and coconut. Vibrantly crisp and clean. Grown on the winery’s home vineyard in Osoyoos.

Tempranillo 2009 (14.2%), a bronze medalist at the 2011 BC Wine Awards and a silver medalist at the 2011 San Francisco International Wine Competition, from 100% Tempranillo grapes is still young and tightly wound, but very promising.  Soft spices, dark plums and cherry with a hint of toasty vanilla. It’s a thrill to see Moon Curser take a shot at Tempranillo in this northern desert region that still provides a hot, dry summer. Very impressed by the 2009 vintage.

Syrah 2009 (14.5%), a gold medalist at the 2011 All Canadian Wine Championships, and a silver medalist at the 2012 International Wine and Spirits Competition and the 2011 Intervin International Wine Awards, is another Moon Curser wine that tangents off from the norm, the Syrah was aged in Hungarian oak. Spicy, peppery, toasty.

Border Vines 2009, a silver medalist 2011 Intervin International Wine Awards, used to be called Six Vines under the Twisted Tree brand (because it includes all six Bordeaux varietals), and is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (29%), Malbec (23%), Carmenère (23%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Petit Verdot (1%). Violets and vanilla under a blanket of red and black berries. Licorice and cloves on the palate. Powerful tannins.

Dead of Night 2009 (50% Tannat, 50% Syrah), a gold medalist at both the 2011 Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition and 2011 San Francisco International Wine Competition, is full of old-world licorice and bold fruit on the nose. The tannins are nicely balanced and there’s a sublime toastiness that reflects the winemaker’s finesse with oak. At $38 a bottle this isn’t an every day wine, but definitely worth the price tag for a special occasion or if you’re feeling serious.

These wines have been winning medals pretty much everywhere they go, and I’m looking forward to writing about the next vintages, which are currently available.