Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2015 Black Sears Zinfandel – Bottle Notes

In 1979, Joyce Black and Jerre Sears purchased a one-of-a-kind property at the top of Howell Mountain. In 1997, Joyce and Jerre began producing very small quantities of estate-bottled Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel for their new Black Sears label, a few hundred cases per vintage. For twelve years, winemaker Ted Lemon called the Black Sears winery home, producing both the Black Sears wines and his own Littorai Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But in 2007 Ted fulfilled a lifelong dream and built his own winery in Sebastopol.

Soon thereafter, Joyce and Jerre learned that their friends and neighbors down Summit Lake Drive at Outpost needed some additional capacity. Winemaker Thomas Brown was taking on more projects, and Outpost’s facility was running out of room for them all. Moreover, Thomas needed open-top tanks so he could make Pinot and Chardonnay for his own Rivers Marie label. A partnership was reached and Thomas is now the winemaker at Black Sears.

Crimson in color. 15.5% ABV. Sublime nose of red and black fruits, chocolate and anise. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Bursting with lush, sweet fruits. Noteworthy balance. Boysenberry, raspberry compote, earth and pepper on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Stunning Zinfandel that is all about elegance and class. Best over the next 2-4 years.

My rating: 95 points

The Black Sears Zinfandel is priced around $75 and is only available via the mailing list.

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