Tried these two ystrday at Pig+Fig:
1. Once&Future Zin NapaVlly (14.9%; 90 yr old vines; Pckd: 9/3-9/9 2021; 30% new Fr.oak; 327 cs; pH: 3.58, TA: 0.61; Bttld: Feb 2023) 2021: Very dark color; very strong blackberry/Zin/very spicy some complex rather dusty/OV bit pencilly/oak straightforward lovely nose; lightly tart quite rich/lush strong blackberry/Zin/very spicy some dusty/OV light toasty/oak very attractive bit simple flavor w/ light tangy tannins; very long finish w/ light tannins; a quite pleasant straightforward Napa Zin at a great price; needs several yrs; reminds some of the old Sattui or Cassayre-Forni or Tulocay Napa Zins. $25.00
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2. Once&Future Frances Cuvee BedrockVnyd/SonomaVlly/SonomaCnty (14.8%; 68% Merlot/24% CabSauv/8% PetiteVerdot; 33 yr old vines; Pckd: 9/8/2020; 25% new Fr.oak; 126 cs; pH: 3.59, TA: 0.65; Bttld: Nov 2021; Www.OnceAndFutureWine.com) Sonoma 2020: Very dark color; strong toasty/Fr.oak rather Bdx-like strong Merlot/plummy bit blackberry/boysenberry/blackcurranty Cab lovely bit complex nose; bit soft strong plummy/Merlot/blackcurranty/Cab strong toasty/oak rather structured bit complex flavor w/ ample firm tannins; very long/lingering finish that mimics the flavor; a very/very good plummy/Merlot that shows some structure; needs 3-8 yrs; well-priced at $55.00.
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More zibbywild from TheBloodyPulpit:
1. Not sure where the grapes for the NapaVlly Zin came from, can't locate the vnyd in Joel's writeups. Probably some from Dickerson I would guess. It's a pretty serious Zin at a really great price.
I typically show a huge disdain for Merlot wines. Often because they lack structure & can be a bit on the soupy side. But this was a Merlot that has structure & I liked it...shhhh....quite a lot.
Tom