Jus Soli: 285 Cases of True Cult Zinfandel (Plus a stunning Pinot and Syrah to boot!)

Jus Soli

One of the main reasons for Jus Soli's success is "young turk" winemaker Tom Garrett. Tom started his career in the wine industry at Wine Spectator where he spent 5 years as the West Coast Tasting Coordinator. Tom decided making wine was more fun than writing about it. A five-year apprentice tour took him through Turley Wine Cellars, Joseph Phelps Winery and Robert Mondavi Winery. Along the way, Tom launched Detert Family Vineyards from grapes grown on his family's vineyard in Oakville. Then in 2002, the collective effort of Jus Soli Winery emerged. In addition, Tom is also the assistant winemaker and general manager at Revana Family Vineyards. There he assists winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett, whom he considers the greatest of a string of great teachers/winemakers with whom he has worked.

Jus Soli 2005 Dry Creek Zinfandel $300/case - $25/bottle (285 Cases Produced)

Last years' version of this cult zin was great, but slightly less hedonistic than the inaugural vintage.

This one is back to form with a vengeance – classic pedal to the metal Zinfandel. This powerhouse Zin is packed with super ripe Dry Creek raspberries, with currants, pepper and licorice in abundance, with a silky finish of black cherry nectar spiked with cloves and stirred with a cinnamon stick.

Jus Soli 2005 Sonoma Valley Syrah $288/case, $24/bottle (290 Cases Produced)

Sourced from a 4 acre Syrah vineyard near Kenwood in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, this Syrah is just gorgeous: mouth-coating sandalwood, leather, smoky bacon fat and blackberry pie, with judicious amounts of violets strewn about. This wine looks smells and tastes magnificent, with fine grained tannins, sweet fruit, and a long, intriguing mineral-laden finish.

Jus Soli 2004 Mendocino County Pinot Noir $240/case, $20/bottle

From a 35 year old Mendocino vineyard uniquely bordered by the west fork of the Russian River comes this delicious Pinot that tastes as wonderful as examples at twice the price. Sweet aromas of strawberry, dried-cranberry and red-cherry lead, with intriguing background notes of spice. The flavors echo the aromas, with hints of plum, vanilla and mild baking spices joining in. The texture is full and plush, but also more structured than past vintages, finishing with pleasant tannins.

Jon Kelvey
Russian River Wine Company
jonkelvey@gmail.com
1-800-477-0490 ext 16




--