Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

In 1989, Jess Jackson acquired the Zellerbach winery and renamed it in honor of his late father, Jess Stonestreet Jackson. Aged for 19 months on 37% new French oak. Aromas of red/black fruits with citrus, spice and mint. On the palate cherry and blackberry flavors, currant, cacao and vanilla. Fine tannins, still tight, great balance on long finish ending with oak and earthy character. Great value, will cellar well. — 4 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.0

Nice red color, more translucent than many Syrahs. Smells of strawberry jam and berry pies. Kinda spicy with a hint of olives. Bit hot. Face-melter. Flavors are woodsy with cedar and spice box. Plenty of fruit. Cherry and berry for sure. Excellent balance. Full and gratifying, but smooth and elegant as well. Great for drinking with an old friend. — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Industrialist James D. Zellerbach acquired the 200 acre Hanzell estate on the Mayacamas slopes above the town of Sonoma in 1948, and in 1952 he planted 2 acres of Pinot Noir and 4 acres of Chardonnay on the site. Aromas of red fruits and floral scents. On the palate cherry and sweet citrus with cacao and oak notes. Smooth tannins, lingering, with great balance ending with earthy mineral tones. Something Special. — 7 years ago

Brian Tuite

9.4

The Zellerbach was more ready. This was still quite young. — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

In a restaurant last night and saw this on the wine list. In 1989, Jess Jackson acquired the Zellerbach winery and renamed it in honor of his late father, Jess Stonestreet Jackson. Aromas of red/black fruits with citrus notes and gentle spice. On the palate cherry and blackberry flavors, vanilla spice with currant tones. Fine soft tannins, great balance on lingering finish ending with oak and cacao. Great value, good now and will cellar well. Opened up nicely in about 45 minutes. — 7 years ago

Anthony Hughes

8.9

Luscious dark cherry and plum, mild earthiness, and tight tannins. — 8 years ago

Katie Weber

9.0

Soft apple tartness, mild butter — 12 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Last ‘15, aged well! In the autumn of 1989, Jess Jackson acquired the Zellerbach winery and renamed it in honor of his late father, Jess Stonestreet Jackson. From higher elevation vineyards, golden straw with stone fruit aromas & floral tones. On the palate apple and pear flavors, buttery with layered spice, goid acidity balance supporting the French oak aging. Medium finish ending with citrus mineral chatacteristics. Very nice, drinking well now. — 6 years ago

Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.3

Second winery on day two in Sonoma was Hanzell Vineyards with Whitney. Third wine was the Hanzell Chardonnay, which is their flagship Chardonnay bottling. All the fruit comes from five of their estate vineyards with an average age of 29 years; de Brye, Zellerbach, Day, Ramos and Ambassador's 1953 vineyards. This bottling is fermented in a mix of stainless steel (62%) and new French oak barrel (38%), the later goes through lee stirring for two months. Aged for a total of twelve months in neutral French oak with all barrel fermentation going through malolactic.

Medium to medium plus lemon yellow with a slight golden hue. Lovely Chardonnay nose with layers of stone, tree and tropical fruits followed by an interesting note of herbal tea like chamomile and honeysuckle. A touch of citrus zest and brioche. Some more mouthwatering acidity on this bottling from Hanzell (7/10) with a medium plus body. Rich palate with a touch of butter, citrus, honeysuckle and some white stone fruits. A nice creamy mouthfeel with a long, lingering finish. Drink till 2032. (93+)

$$$ - Tasted at the winery. Retail price is $78.00. — 6 years ago

with India

Patty Jakeway

9.3

Smells like strawberry, smokey taste. Smooth — 10 years ago