🕵️‍♂️ 94pt Old Vine Zin with “Deep, extra-ripe fruit"

One of my favorite under-the-radar wineries for a number of years has been Dashe. The prices are reasonable, the quality high, and the wines filled with personality. Robert Parker

We are lucky enough to have gotten our hands on many Dashe wines over the years, but this Zin might be the crown jewel!

Given the demand for satisfyingly pure Zinfandel from reliable sources like Dashe - especially at prices like this - the crush of orders has already begun.

Dashe is an all-time favorite of ours. The proprietors have an all-star background: Mike worked the legendary 1989 vintage as an intern at Chteau Lafite-Rothschild and did stints at Cloudy Bay, Schramsberg, and Far Niente, before settling in at Ridge Vineyards, where he worked side by side with the legendary Paul Draper. Anne interned at Chteau La Dominique in Bordeaux and Chappellet Winery in Napa, before making brandy for Remy Martin. Since 1996, Dashe Cellars has adorned the finest wine lists around the world, at most of the top restaurants in the US, including The French Laundry, Chez Panisse, and Per Se.

Parker, the big fan he is of Dashe, hasnt even seen this vintage yet but of the 2017 vintage he says, Todd Brothers Ranch Old Vines emerges from another one of them heritage, head-pruned old Zin sites a classic, even quintessential, Zinfandel from Alexander Valley. Wine Enthusiast already gave it a 94 and called it pure indulgent enjoyment. Honestly, what else do you need?!

Fueled by old, gnarled vines planted in 1958, Todd Ranch powers some of the best Zinfandel in Sonoma. This shows nearly jet black in the glass. Its DEEPLY concentrated and luscious. Simply dripping with jammy mixed berries, a dusting of cocoa, some sweet tobacco, and a dusting of baking spices. Hugely satisfying, its a crowd-pleaser in every sense.

Only a few barrels were made, and we secured what we could.

The only thing left to say is why are you still reading this??

94 Points Wine Enthusiast

Deep, extra-ripe fruit flavors saturate this full-bodied wine, with blueberries, blackberries and dark plums on a juicy texture that slides easily down the hatch. It is pure indulgent enjoyment for sipping alone or pairing with stews and roasts.