**** Chez Ray Pinot / Zin (Zinfandel), Valley Oaks Vineyard, Lodi, CA, 2003

Posted by Ben in 2003, General, Other, Pinot Noir, lodi, zinfandelAug 4th, 2010 | No Comments This is a combination of pinot noir and zinfandel from 2003 vintage Lodi grapes, fermented with Pasteur Red yeast and pressed at dryness.

In the glass, this is light to medium red.  Served at room temperature, aromas are a bright and blooming red raspberry fruit.

The palate is sweet, rich and layered, showing ripe, ripe red currant, elements of sweet pepper and ash, and a lively - but not overpowering - acidity.  Wonderful highs and lows, easy sweetness and still some drama. Four stars. Terrific for Lodi grapes.

*** Chez Ray Zinfandel, 2004, Lodi, CA – Wine Review

Posted by Ben in 2004, General, Other, lodi, zinfandelOct 28th, 2009 | No Comments By way of background: The Chez Ray Zinfandel, 2004, was made from Lodi grapes, fermented warm, with a combination of French and American oak.

In the glass: Medium to deep red.

On the nose: Fruity, lightly smoky, wet red cherry.

On the palate: Smooth, red fruit in the middle of your mouth. Like a gob of blackberry that has all the tartness removed. Kinda nice in that respect. Balance of the flavors include a general even sweetness, tiny bits of acids crawl up into your cheeks.

And the finish: Sweet acids slowly fade away, and with them any hints of fruit.

In summary: Pleasant, though not intense nor distinctive. Less intensity andfriendliness than I'd expect from a zinfandel. Still, three stars on the Spirit of Wine scale, as I would return to this another time. Could be a nice blender with something offering a bit more structure.