Zepaltas Wines

2007 Zepaltas Wines Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Bright yellow-gold. Spicy lemon and green apple aromas are complemented by dusty minerals and quinine. The very fresh palate offers nervy citrus, bitter pear and apple skin flavors, with a subtle touch of anise. Strong mineral notes add vibrancy to the long, penetrating finish. I like this wine's clarity and sneaky power.
90

2007 Zepaltas Wines Chardonnay Babushka Russian River Valley

Pale chartreuse color. Pineapple and melon aromas are underscored by dusty minerals and quinine. Brighter citrus and green apple on the palate, which is given a dry edge by lemon pith and mineral qualities. I like this wine's blend of richness and vivacity. This fruit came from the Keefer Ranch vineyard.
91

2007 Zepaltas Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

($39) Hazy red. Fresh strawberry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by smoky Indian spices and dried rose. Light-bodied, strikingly pure red berry flavors stain the palate and gain weight with air. Finishes brisk and nicely focused, with the suave red berry flavors repeating.
90

2007 Zepaltas Wines Pinot Noir Suacci Vineyard Sonoma Coast

Light red. Spicy red berries and herbs on the nose, with a subtle mineral underpinning. Firm redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors are given spine by nervy acidity and framed by dusty tannins. Becomes more tangy on the slightly peppery finish, which is precise and nicely persistent.
89

2007 Zepaltas Wines Pinot Noir La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast

($47) Bright red. Fresh raspberry and cherry on the nose, with complicating notes of brown spices and smoky minerals. Midweight red berry and bitter cherry flavors soften and gain sweetness with air, picking up a suave cola note on the back end. Tangy raspberry and cherry skin notes linger on the long, spicy finish. I'd give this a couple more years to loosen up.
90

2007 Zepaltas Wines Pinot Noir Barton Vineyard Russian River Valley

Light red. High-pitched red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by fresh rose, lavender and cinnamon. Strikingly fresh pinot, offering pure red fruit and brown spice flavors and a sexy undertone of candied flowers. The spiciness lingers on the long, gently sweet finish, which strongly echoes the red berry note.
91

2007 Zepaltas Wines Pinot Noir W.E. Bottoms Russian River Valley

Medium red. Bright, finely etched red fruit and floral aromas are deepened by a riper bitter cherry note. Tangy raspberry and cherry flavors stain that palate, with silky tannins providing grip. Refreshing, focused and pure, with impressive finishing sweetness and punch.
91

2006 Zepaltas Wines Syrah Rosella's Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands

Deep red. Smoky red and dark berry aromas are complemented by classic syrah notes of olive, minerals and cracked pepper. Tangy, spice-laced black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are braced by dusty tannins, picking up an exotic floral note on the back. Taut, focused and fresh, with excellent finishing cut and peppery persistence. (JR)
91

94 points
“An interesting, even eccentric Syrah that’s really quite different from anything else out there. No mere fruit bomb, it’s a meaty wine, in the sense of being chewy, but also in the aromas and flavors of both roasted and raw beef. That’s not to mention the extraordinary blackberries and currants, dusted with a blast of freshly ground black pepper. First class and unique.”
- Wine Enthusiast,May 2009

93 points
“Pacific winds in the Salinas Valley influence syrah grown in the benchlands of the Santa Lucia Highlands, bringing out the grapes distinctive white and black pepper character. This ’06 feels wild and primary, shifting from rich blueberry to a meaty savor after a few hours’ air. It’s cool and firm, with lasting notes of pepper and berries. Cellar for a few years to let it develop, then decant for culotte steak”

Wine & Spirits, April 2009

90 points
“Full-bodied, firm and spicy, with a peppery rustic edge to the wild berry and dried currant. But this gains complexity and nuance, aided by a mineral and iron edge of earthiness. Well-structured. Drink now through 2013. 96 cases made.” –JL

Wine Spectator, 2009

"88 points

A touch gamy, this full-bodied Pinot offers a nice mix of fresh earth, spice and sour black cherry fruit that's racy and wild, savory and complex. A bit unbridled at this point. Best from 2010 through 2015. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 145 cases made. –JL"
-Wine Spectator, January 2009

"Spirited aromas of black cherries, wild flowers, hay and oak that rocket out of the glass. Delicious and vibrant blackberry and ollalliberry fruit with some other intriguing flavors I can’t pinpoint. Beautifully herbed and spiced and perfectly balanced, this is a wine of great nuance that makes you sit up and take notice. I loved this wine!"
-PinotFile Volume 7 Issue 6

"An expressive nose of sour cherry, raspberry and distinct herbal aromas leads to detailed, pure and intense middle weight flavors that possess a firm acid spine that gives shape and form to the energetic, indeed even racy finish that delivers good if not special persistence. Not withstanding the expressiveness of the nose, this is an understated effort in which some may find too much acidity and thus lacking a bit of generosity. I like the edginess and detail and this will clearly go well at the table but it is not a wine to serve as a starter as there is more youthful austerity than most would find to their taste. Moreover, I would not age it beyond 2 to 3 years as it risks drying out. 88/2011+"
-Burghound