95 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(from a vineyard planted in 1885 and owned by ex-commissioner of baseball Peter Ueberroth; this is 16.4% alcohol with a low pH of 3.25) Bright ruby-red. Explosive, musky nose combines cherry, blackberry, cassis, minerals, roasted herbs, spice cake and licorice. Hugely dense and sweet, with exceptional depth of flavor. Boasts outstanding stuffing and a marvelously long, sweet aftertaste. Based on this first vintage, this vineyard should produce zinfandel in the same quality league as Hayne Vineyard, at least in the riper years. (ST) (5/2004)