Zepaltas Wines

In March we had our yearly sit-down with Josh Raynolds of IWC. It is always a joy to talk with Josh about wine and the world. It is just a bonus when he likes our work.

ZEPALTAS Sauvignon Blanc Lake County 2011 Score: 89 | $17 Exotic, showing vivid floral highlights of peach blossom and lime zest, with a zingy acidity. Finishes with bright mango notes. Drink now. 345 cases made. —M.W.

UPDATE: SOLD OUT

Funny article from a while back by Dave Carnie of Big Brother Magazine fame. He is a smart smart-ass. I have always been a fan of his writing, and it was rad to be the subject of one of his articles. This originally appeared in King Shit skateboard magazine out of Canada, but Dave reposted in his food blog,
Food on Drunk.

Highlights on the 2009s:

2009 Pinot Noir - W. E. Bottoms Vineyard: (Russian River Valley, 74 cases, SRP $45, 13.4%). A perfumed and airy combination of black cherry, spice and raspberry liqueur aromas introduces rich, concentrated and opulent flavors that possess fine mid-palate concentration on the solidly complex, balanced, dusty and lingering finish. This is easily the best wine in the range in 2009. Worth a look. 90/2014+

2009 Pinot Noir - Suacci Vineyard: (Sonoma Coast, 99 cases, SRP $45,13.4%). An admirable and appealingly pure nose that is elegant and airy offers up notes of red pinot fruit and hints of spice that precede the supple and textured medium weight fiavors that are plush and round before culminating in a delicious and balanced finish. I like the style and the delivery but it would be nice to have a bit more depth. 88/2013+

ZEPALTAS Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2008 Score: 91 | $29
Complex aromas of spice, raspberry and black cherry, with touches of wild berry, plum jam and loamy earth. Full-bodied, delicate and elegant, ending with a long, layered finish. Drink now through 2017. 312 cases made. —J.L.