calstarcellars wrote:Not so much chewy as fruit-driven (dark fruit), with some layering -it's been described as a Cab drinkers Zin. Ready to drink now will hold for at least 2 years.

That sounds delicious. I'm going to have to snag some of this!

Anyone tried the Lang Reserve Zin from the previous offering? I enjoyed their Barbera a lot and am about ready to order the Zin.

So what is the latest verdict on the Sextant Wines Wheelhouse Zinfandel 2010?

At last night's gather at wine.woot HQ, Rick decided to join us and brought a bottle of the Alta Zin to try in addition to the other goodies. My notes tell me that it was initially woody on opening with muted fruit. The body, structure, and restraint that I look for in a Zinfandel were all present. The flavours needed some air to come out and play, and with much swirling this started to happen pretty quickly. I'd put this as similar in style to Scott Harvey's Reserve (white label) Zin but not quite as bold. Despite having zero room to store this stuff I'm actually considering going in on a set.

For calibration, my tastes in Zin run more towards the restrained, classic style and not the fruit-bomb massive extract Zins you often see. e.g. I don't think I've yet met a Lodi Zin that I've enjoyed.

Had the 2008 call star alta Zin with the winemaker at WCC last night.

My simple notes:

Nose: medium red fruits, hint of pepper

Palate: strawberry jam, touch of oak, warm earthiness

This is a Zin in a nice medium style. Not over ripe and raisiny. It is decent albeit not amazing QPR at this price. Grab it if you like Zin and are low

Symbolic2007 wrote:On the Sextant Zin...
http://wine.woot.com/offers/sextant-central-coast-zinfandel

I'm hoping and guessing there was just an issue with bottling for a short run of it, but this stuff was awful and had an extreme amount of sediment near the top of the bottle, which looked like congealed/dried wine. I don't think it was the cork itself at all. The wine was near-vinegar upon initial tasting (but mellowed out the more I had...) I've tried two bottles now out of the shipment of six, and both were the same upon opening. I still have the other four, but am leery to open them. Hoping not all are bad. For the record, I handle my wine gently and keep it in a 12 Oster bottle wine fridge I bought from W00t about 5 years ago.

That's just one bad experience, though, and I doubt it was the same with the whole line, or we would've heard much uproar. I may try opening one of the remaining bottles soon and hope it's not the same

Actually my first bottle of the Sextant was great and I loved it. However last night I opened a second bottle last night and have experienced the same thing you mention above. Alot of sediment and very vinegary taste - no where near as good as the first bottle. I'm hoping the rest of my bottles aren't like this.

nealkb wrote:Mr Harvey, how long do you think this bottle will hold?

Sorry, I didn't get back before it sold out. It should hold for about 12 years or until 2021.

true559 wrote:The Wheelhouse Zin is good but must be decanted as there is sediment to deal with. Don't know if that's normal for this wine but my first two bottles had quite a bit of sediment.

No sediment in this one.

beefytaco wrote:Scott -
We always open a double-mag for Easter. This year we actually opened a Zin, but with 15 years on it, which had allowed it to mellow a bit and it didn't overwhelm the ham and lamb.
I'm afraid this InZin would probably be a bit too assertive and steal the show - am I correct?

It is not as big as the previous 2009. If you get a chance try the wine in a 750ml bottle first. It is open to taste in our tasting room in Sutter Creek or if you come to Napa Valley, I'll open one for you at our home in St. Helena.

klezman wrote:At last night's gather at wine.woot HQ, Rick decided to join us and brought a bottle of the Alta Zin to try in addition to the other goodies. My notes tell me that it was initially woody on opening with muted fruit. The body, structure, and restraint that I look for in a Zinfandel were all present. The flavours needed some air to come out and play, and with much swirling this started to happen pretty quickly. I'd put this as similar in style to Scott Harvey's Reserve (white label) Zin but not quite as bold. Despite having zero room to store this stuff I'm actually considering going in on a set.

For calibration, my tastes in Zin run more towards the restrained, classic style and not the fruit-bomb massive extract Zins you often see. e.g. I don't think I've yet met a Lodi Zin that I've enjoyed.

Just had some from a bottle that was opened yesterday. Maintained structure and finish, and lovely bright cherry/razzberry fruit had showed up that was not a pronounced on day one. Add another year to improve for this wine.

How did I miss that the inzin was a Scott Harvey wine! :-(