Eaglepoint Ranch is one of Mendocino’s top properties, up there with Alder Springs and Ferrington. Pretty much everything made from the vineyard has the vineyard’s name on the label (even if it is printed incorrectly, as Rosenblum does on its Eaglepoint labels). One of the advantages of making Zinfandel from up there is that the vineyard also produces some of Mendocino County’s best Petite Sirah, which is the time-tested No. 1 blending component for high-end Zin. Rosenblum used 18 percent Petite Sirah in this blend, to very good effect. To my surprise, they also kept the oak in line, so read more...I can recommend this bottling whole-heartedly. The aromas and flavors emphasize ripe blackberry and black cherry, with some vanilla from American oak and some bright citrus notes from the Petite Sirah. You get a big, plush mouthful of fruit with very good company - natural spiciness, a nice balance of wood and grape tannins, good body, and a texture on your tongue that’s like natural silk on your skin. The flavors stay true from entry to finish, and while this is a plenty-sweet Zin, it’s got enough acid that I was smackin' my lips while I was writing my notes.    (hide)

Rating for United States-California: 82 (slightly worse than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: unpredictable<br/>