The Barlow Zinfandel is a real crowd pleaser, very dark and aromatic. A blackberry and licorice nose gets a savory whiff of smoke and a shot of vanilla on the side. It's had some time in the bottle and it’s getting very smooth and silky as it ages. On the palate, good, dark fruit stands a little on the tart side. The oak influence shows in a touch of spice and vanilla, but it doesn't overwhelm. The acidity is nice, and the tannins are good. This can pair with a pork chop, but it's a great sipper, too. — 7 years ago
Great for fall, nice finish — 9 years ago
The nose shows, bright dark and mid red fruits. Blackberries, purple fruits, dark cherries, blue fruits, black raspberries & sour black plums. Dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, touch of V/A, herbaceous notes, tobacco, sweet tarry notes, soft wood notes, dark rich soil, expresso notes, limestone minerals and dark withering and fresh florals.
The body is full and thick. The tannins powdery, meaty and sticky. The structure, length, tension and balance are set for success. The fruits are ripe with candied notes. Blackberries, purple fruits, dark cherries, blue fruits, black raspberries & sour black plum. Dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, touch V/A on the palate as well, herbaceous notes, tobacco, sweet tarry notes, dark spice with just a touch of heat, soft wood notes, dark rich soil, expresso notes, limestone minerals and dark withering and fresh florals. The acidity runs like a fresh water river. The long finish is thick, round, ripe, well balanced and persist in the mouth for minutes.
Photos of; another shot of their hillside vines, Owner/Winemaker, Murray Barlow and I taking about his vineyards, Cellar Door grounds and another perspective of their vines and vistas. — 5 years ago
Very enjoyable, light, Sonoma coast Pinot. WE left with a bottle of their Barlow vineyard that was an easy 9.7 — 7 years ago
The nose reveals; peach, white peach, apricot, lemon, pineapple, some grapefruit, almost candied lime, marmalade notes, soft chalkiness & minerality with yellow flowers.
The body is thick, waxy and full. There a bit of a sour presence to the fruit. Peach, white peach, apricot, lemon, pineapple, some grapefruit, almost candied lime, marmalade notes, soft chalkiness & minerality with yellow flowers. Round acidity and thick well polished, rich finish.
Photos of; The sloping hillside vines at Rustenberg, Owner/Winemaker Murray Barlow & I talking about his vineyard (my favorite pastime), grounds around Rustenberg and our tasting area. — 5 years ago
New winery for me, and let me tell their wines were outstanding, 100% merlot, rich and deep with dark red fruit, the will hold its own with a cab. Tannins were smooth with an Caramel, oak finish. This wine did disappoint. — 7 years ago
Typical coastal Pinot but a little sturdy with more acidity than normal. Great wine that could go the distance if you wanted. Barlow Lane Vineyard. — 8 years ago
Chris Madrid
2014 tasting superb. Smooth tannins, fruit forward boldness. Approachable but ever-changing. — 4 years ago