Typical of the Zinfandels produced by Nils Venge, this is a no-holds barred, Amarone-like effort boasting a dark plum/ruby color in addition to a big, thick, juicy bouquet of prunes, raisins, jammy black cherries, and earth. As the wine sits in the glass, aromas of pepper, wood, and spice box emerge. Full-bodied, unctuously-textured, and high in alcohol, it should be consumed over the next 2-4 years for its gutsy, exuberant yet somewhat controversial style.
Vintage 1998:
Sweet raspberries, roasted plums and nuts on the nose, Thick and jammy with plenty of ripe fruit and oak. Complex layers of fruit, spice
and moderate tannins on the finish. This beauty will certainly improve over the next three to five years...
Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority
Vintage 1996:
Intense brambly spice, black plum and licorice aromas and flavors. Very full bodied and highly extracted with layers of fleshy fruit and smoky oak.
Broad, muscular and dense on the palate with ever-expanding depth and complexity; let this baby open for an hour or two before serving.
Outstanding length with nuances of chocolate/mocha on the finish. Given the price of many top quality Zins, this is a steal.
Bob Cranston, The Wine Authority - 7/98
Vintage 1995:
92 - Robert Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate
...richest and most intense Zinfandels of the vintage... amazingly lavish aromas of toasty oak and black fruits... beautifully textured...
jammy black-raspberry fruit... rich, blockbuster-styled Zinfandel...
