Reviews

Cherry and plum aromas blend with a touch of incense and herbs, aromas carry over onto the palate with slight hints of chocolate as well; medium bodied and light tannins make this wine perfectly suited to pair with some steaks or grilled pork.

According to Jean-Charles Boisset’s words, the 2010 Cabernet Franc JCB No. 17 is “profound, indulgent, secretive.” Blueberry, raspberry, forest floor, bouquet garni and spice aromas jump from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored Cabernet Franc. Stylish, restrained and impressive, this medium-bodied, ethereal, subtle effort is a classy, complex example of its varietal. Not a blockbuster, it is a nuanced, intellectual red wine that should drink well for a decade or more.

Enticing, with zesty blackberry and wild berry scents, this offers a mix of crushed rock and lavender, finishing with hint of smoky, toasty oak. Drink now through 2020. 201 cases made. –JL

Right out of the bottle, this single vineyard Pinot is rich. The flavors of raspberry and cherry pie, sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar, are delicious and direct. You can certainly drink it now, but the acid-tannin balance suggests the wine will develop and improve over the next 5-6 years.

This is a wonderful wine that has the dry complexity and tannic structure of a great Napa red, with rich layers of cherries, red currants, mocha and sweet smoky oak. Yet it’s supple, with a deft drinkability. A brilliant interpretation of the variety, it’s hard to keep from popping the cork now, but should age well for 8–10 years.

This is dazzlingly rich and delicious. It swamps the mouth with ripe blackberry and cherry jam, cassis liqueur, chocolate and sweet new oak flavors, wrapped into fine tannins, and brightened with just-in-time acidity. High alcohol creates some heat, and it’s not an ager, so drink now–2015.

Though DeLoach's Lake County Zinfandel-- a regular in the producer's line-up of prominent wines-- is a departure of form in its big boned nature, it is entirely in keeping with its sister wines in terms of balance. Fragrant and spicy, with a depth of blackberry fruit, the finish is long and satisfying. This is a fine food-pairing with wine. - VB