Sausal

TRL/Staff/Wine: 7/7/6

We tried to go to Sausal some years ago during barrel tasting and it was a ZOO.  And this place isn't big enough to be a zoo. We decided to come back and give it a fair shot...and we did. The bottom line is that the wines had some merit, but not at the price point they were selling them at.

2008 Sangiovese Alexander Valley $20/$16/$-

Warm and toasty nose, with lots of spice. Fairly simple sangio, even for a California sangio. Bright acidity with soft tannins on the finish. Mild strawberry with a little vanilla note.

2009 Harvest Selection Zinfandel $35/$28/$-

Spicy, dry nose. Raspberry, vanilla, spices, with modest acidity

2009 Family Zinfandel $19/$/$-

55 year old vines.  First vines planted after it was started as Sausal. Another spicy zin, but with a smoother, fuller mouthfeel. Mild baking spices on the nose.

2008 Century Vines Zinfandel $40/$/$-

The nose is muted, which is very different from the previous wines. The palate explodes with spices, blackberry, raspberry. If you enjoy spicy, light-bodied zins then this is your wine.

2008 Private Reserve Zinfandel $24/$20/$20

95 year-old vines. $12/$bottle by the case, right now.

Real fruit on the nose, mild  vanilla and layers of cherry. The baked cherry pie is a nice delicate flavor across your palate.

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon $35/$28/$-

Mild soft nose, with cassis and blackberry notes. The palate follows.  As a medium body cab, I yearn for something, but I can’t put my finger on it.

2008 Purrfect Petite  $15/$12/$15

Aromas of nutmeg, vanilla, and black fruits. It has a soft nose, but not as engaging as you might expect. This has a nice, smooth mouthfeel with a mildly velvety finish.