NEW, supple, bourbon.
Winemaker Bob Blue, who has been the winemaker for Bonterra since its inception, began aging Zinfandel in premium American bourbon barrels from the 2013 vintage onward. That first vintage (released in 2015) was only three batches starting with number 1; this past year (2017) he released 22 batches under the 1000 Stories label.
I wrote a story about it for Montecristo Magazine, December 2017.
It doles out aromas of chocolate and vanilla, licorice and toffee with a bold berry core. Supple and extremely smooth in the mouth, with flavours of licorice and chocolate rolling across the palate. The finish is lengthy and tastes like raspberry vanilla liqueur.
©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - January 8th, 2018

Mature, smooth, supple.
Ah, Grenache, in all it manifestations I love it. This version is grown at elevations between 600-700 meters on poor stony clay and limestone soils. The vines age between 35-60 years old.
This one is showing maturity with aromas of strawberry jam, molasses and balsamic aromas layered with white pepper, tealeaf and toasted spice. The mouth echos that; dried fruit, spice and balsamic flavours languish on a smooth palate with a bright finish. Drink now.
©copyright 2019 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - October 23rd, 2019

Seductive, potent, supple.
I've never hid my affection for Grenache, in all it manifestations and this wine is one of the reasons. This stunning Garnacha is grown at elevations between 600-700 meters on poor stony clay and limestone soils. The vines age between 35-60 years old.
Exceedingly pretty it is a delight of raspberry, blueberry and cherry with lilacs, licorice, exotic spice and vanilla. It is supple with generous sun-warmed fruit and baking spice lounging on a potently weighted palate. Seductive. A consummate expression of this variety.
©copyright 2016 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - April 4th, 2016

Generous, juicy, value.
This tasty Garnacha is blended with Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon to round it out. Overall, it offers excellent value.
Fragrant notes of mocha are swirled with kirsch, black raspberry, crushed roses and sarsaparilla. The palate has a sweet generous and fruity character and supple weight. Its textural tannins add chewiness and interest.
©copyright 2017 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - September 6th, 2017

Persistent, bubbly, fresh.
A traditionally-made and well-priced fizz with very solid complexity.
Expect aromas of fresh bread dough and yellow apples, apricots and grilled lemons with browned butter and hazelnuts. Good overall weight, balance and persistent bubbles; the finish is mouthwatering.
Made from Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir.
Pair: appetizers, white meat, calamari holiday dinners, or seafood salads.

©copyright 2018 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - November 15th, 2018