BALLENTINE VINEYARDS BG ZINFANDEL RESERVE BLOCK 9 - 2001

Bale gravelly loam soil limits the yield of the vines and produces wines with excellent concentration. The Ballentine family has worked their vineyard site since 1906 in pursuit of excellence crafting high quality wines from their unique growing sites.

TASTING NOTES:

This wine comes from a specialized vineyard site, "Block 9," and is 98% Zinfandel and 2% Syrah. It is aged 14 months in 35% new American Oak and 5% new French Oak. The wine has a cherry red hue and aromas of spice and oak. The flavors are not very well defined and the taste of alcohol is fairly dominant overshadowing the fruit.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

84 PTS
Not a terrific effort, especially for a reserve estate grown wine. Perhaps this needs more time in the bottle because it is not showing well. Retails for $27.