2015 Sweetwater Springs Vineyard Zinfandel 'Isabel'
Every year this wine blows me away! A zinfandel, unlike any other. Maybe it’s the steep hillside vineyard, or part being fermented in concrete or the use of larger format barrels, but this wine's aromatics go in so many ways. From high tones mid notes and a little baritone that may come from the touch of Petite Sirah that is in the blend. Exotic raspberry and strawberry swirl from the glass, with hints of wild herbs and white pepper. The palate is lush with black cherry and Petrichor notes, intertwined with dark chocolate coffee beans. As rich as this wine is, it stays balance and totally intriguing.
94 Pts Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Pts Wine Advocate, 91 Pts Wine Spectator
Wine Specs
2015
Zinfandel
Russian River Valley
Sweetwater Springs Vineyard
16 mos. 30% New French Oak
15% Whole Cluster Open Top Fermentation
15.6
91
91
Wine Profile
Soft and round on the palate, the wine is loaded with raspberries, strawberries, a touch of anisette and blackberries. From the first taste to your last, this wine is seamless, exotic and a reminder of how delicious Zinfandel is.
94 Pts Jeb Dunnuck The Russian River 2015 Zinfandel Sweetwater Springs Vineyard gives up a big, boisterous bouquet of black raspberries, plums, Asian spices, cured meats, and cedar. Just screaming Zinfandel at the top of its lungs, it has medium to full body, a rounded, fleshy mid-palate, and loads of charm. It's going to drink nicely for upwards of a decade. 91 Pts Wine Advocate The 2015 Zinfandel Sweetwater Springs Vineyard is medium to deep garnet-purple with a nose of prunes, fruitcake and spice box with hints of dried flowers, hoisin, smoked meats and leather. Full-bodied, concentrated and with a tart line cutting through the dense dried-berry flavors, it offers a firm, chewy frame and great length.
91 Pts Wine Spectator Polished and well-built, with expressive huckleberry and garrigue aromas and layered blueberry, orange zest and pepper flavors. Drink now through 2023.