Garden herb and forest floor aromas make a case for this wine to be considered the producer's “Finest Selection” (the “FS” in “OFS”). On the palate, wild strawberry, black cherry and berry are the story, while powerful spice adds intrigue to the velvety texture, roundness and full-bodied concentration.
DeLoach Vineyards Reviews
Bedecked with a large gold fleur-de-lis on the bottle, this wine is showy in flavor too, a rich, ripe celebration of California exuberance, full bodied in cranberry, cherry, orange and blackberry fruitiness. —V.B.
Offers a broad, rich, expansive mix of citrus-infused tangerine, nectarine, white peach and honeysuckle flavors. Maintains thrust and focus, staying long and deep. –JL
Supple and jammy, with smoky raspberry aromas and focused, layered flavors of ripe cherry, caramelized anise and cracked pepper. –TF
Light and creamy with notes of lemon, apple, pear, and pineapple and just a kiss of butterscotch.
A stylish wine driven by vibrant, fresh pear, citrus and honeydew flavors, extended by a mix of oak that turns to butterscotch nuances. Ends a bit raw for now but should reward with time. Drink now.
–JL
There’s a lot to like in this nicely priced white, a blend of several regional vineyards. A taste of hazelnut expands on the palate to meet creamy Tahitian vanilla. Approachably round, this crowd-pleasing wine finishes in measured, integrated oak. Editors’ Choice. —V.B.
Best of Marin
Best Buy
For his 2013 appellation wine, winemaker Brian Maloney selected fruit from four vineyards throughout the Russian River Valley, including Heintz at the cool western edge of Green Valley and Becnel in the warmer hills along Westside Road. His gentle treatment of the fruit and use of mostly older barrels allows quiet, savory aromas of forest mushrooms and sandalwood to lead the way. The flavors slowly build toward a pure, rosy, red-fruited glow that's mouthwatering and gentle, yet utterly persuasive. The wine also happens to be a steal - and it would be delicious with sauteed mushrooms.
The 2013 Zinfandel Riebli Valley Vineyard looks more like Petite Sirah than one normally associates with Zinfandel. This is from apparently over 100-year-old head-pruned vines and low yields. The color is an inky ruby/purple, the wine rich, full-bodied, powerful and just classic Zinfandel. This is a stunner and a wine capable of offering gorgeous drinking for at least another 7-8 years.
The delicious 2013 Chardonnay Stubbs Vineyard from the Petaluma Gap in – of all places – the high-priced real estate county of Marin, shows wonderful honeysuckle and white peach. The wine is 100% barrel fermented, with 100% malolactic fermentation, and was aged on its lees for nine months. It has a slight greenish hue to its light-straw color, medium to full body, and beautiful fruit.
SILVER