2003 Scherrer Shale Vineyard

[winoweenie]

Latest release from Fred. Deep opaque ruby/purple. Not much nose initially. Strawberry/Raspberry/Brambly nose finally emerges with a hint of sweet spiciness. A young giant that needs time to grow into its' massive shoes. Big entry, heavy center and a long 4+-lapper finish. Needs another 2-4 to integrate all the components. 88-90/90. 17 on futures. 14.5% alc. WW

[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 01-05-2006).]

[winoweenie]

Coming along swimmingly. Nose has progressed markedly in the (almost) year since 1st tasted. The berries so evident in this bottling are coming on beautifully. Typical Shale Terrace with loads of stuffing but still with a complexity and finesse not often found with this grape. Definately kicked up to a solid 90-91. Still needs time. WW

[winoweenie]

Had this with a late lunch today. Thw WOW factor has been kicked up a notch. All components are marrying beautifully. Seems like the finish has expanded to a definate 4+ lap[per. No change in scoring. WW

[winoweenie]

Had another for lunch yesterday. Definately close to TTOIG. Solid aromatics with mature fruit showing complexity. Supple entry, weighty center and a definate 4&1/2 lapper finish...max I've encountered in a zin. As usual Fred has crafted a killer bottle from Dads' great vineyard. Tempted to kick to a 92....Whart the hey. Make it a 92. WW

[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 04-28-2009).]

[Thomas]

WW, When you next go to Sonoma, check out Del Carlo in Dry Creek Valley.

It's a new winery from a old vineyard family. First release, 2005 Zinfandel ($32) and Cabernet Sauvignon ($28). Each are quite wonderful; the Zinfandel is spectacular.

Also, give Alderbrook a look-see, in Healdsburg. They were taken over by Terlato, and then decided to concentrate on Zinfandel. They have a number of separate styles.

I just came back from a trip out there--tried many others, but these two guys stood out in my memory, such as it is.

[winoweenie]

Opened the last of my box of this wunnerful stuff and if it 'aint at TTOIG then me taste buds are as dead as Drewskies. Heavy nose. Absolutely mouth-filling. All the juice with the nuances you'd exsect from a top eschelon Zin. Can still taste that hummer 20 mins after the last gulp. Great stuff!!!!WW

[winoweenie]

Another orphan of this turned up today so lunch was killer! Still humming at "C above high C" Have to get ready for the biggie tonite. Go @#+(^$*(%^(). WW