Saddle the Sky with this Zinfandel
With the website being updated and the wines not quite yet available on Wine Q, I wasn’t able to get too much information on Sky Saddle Wines. The few things I discovered were that the winery is committed to purchasing organic or biodynamic grapes and took that dedication even further to make use of eco-certified French barrels and water-based paint for the foils. The label echoes this dedication to preserving the earth, with its shots of sky, water, and vegetation….
I also found that with no tasting room and only about a 1000 cases produced annually (available in a few restaurants and even less stores), once this wine is ready for purchase on Wine Q, you should take full advantage.
This bottle of 2003 Sky Saddle Twin Oaks Vineyard Zinfandel from Sonoma County I received as a review sample had to therefore speak for itself. The aroma revealed something very sharp initially, with its hint of peat reminding BK of a glass of scotch, a beverage I personally find rather piercing. Later, it took a graceful bow and began dancing under my nose with vanilla, tar, and a brand new leather jacket then waltzed into black pepper, cherry, plum, and finally a greenhouse of sage and other herbs. The palate was nearly as graceful as it stepped from vanilla to cracked pepper to fig and then to an amazing display of chocolate. We both enjoyed this wine thoroughly, especially with the super easy meal of oven roasted lamb and garlic-paprika potatoes.
I had saved a small amount to try the next day, but it slipped my mind until two mornings later. However, the wine was still drinkable, without even using the Vacu Vin or keeping it in the fridge, which leads me to believe this one can comfortably age for several years. The cocoa was even stronger than before, along with a whole shelf of baking spices.
I can only hope Marshall puts this wine on the website soon, as there were only 220 cases made.
Tags: 2003 Sky Saddle Twin Oaks Vineyard Zinfandel, Sonoma County Zinfandel, Wine Q
7 opinions for Saddle the Sky with this Zinfandel
john witherspoon
Feb 17, 2008 at 10:44 am
Thanks for the heads up on this wine Farley. It sounds like a farely complex Zin. I applaud their efforts on their earth friendly techniques, water color inks, rock on. I think I will definitely be seeking out a bottle or two.
See ya
John
Sonadora
Feb 17, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Hey Farley-
Apparently we are on a wine wavelength! I have one of these from WineQ too, that I need to drink and review. I’m thinking it will make a great wine to drink after a hard day skiing on our trip next week! Thanks for the review.
Marshall from WineQ
Feb 17, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Great review! I promise I will get them up on the site ASAP!
Be sure to check out the review of the same wine at One Wine Per Week, which of course is paired with a music video. I love his music video pairings. :)
Warm regards,
Marshall
Farley
Feb 19, 2008 at 2:29 am
John, It was complex and unusual; don’t wait too long.
Sonadora, great minds think alike. I knew there was a reason I liked you!
Marshall, Thanks for sharing that review. I always like to compare notes…
Kate Wilson
Feb 22, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Farley,
Thanks for the nice review of our Zin. Unfortunately it is now sold out, except for what Wine Q has! We are releasing a really great Russian River Pinot and a Napa Chardonnay in a few months, though. Keep your eye out for it!
Kate Wilson
Farley
Feb 23, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Kate,
Thanks for stopping by. It’s easy to write a good review for a good wine. I’m definitely looking forward to trying more Sky Saddle, esp. a RR Pinot.
WineQ Blog » Introducing the Organic Wines of Sky Saddle
Mar 27, 2008 at 11:42 pm
[…] to fig and then to an amazing display of chocolate. We both enjoyed this wine thoroughly.” -Behind the Vines review of Sky Saddle […]
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