91 Points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine - December 2011
"Winemaker Scott Klann does Calaveras County proud with this Zin from several area vineyards. Its fruit is slightly subdued at first than in his single-vineyard efforts but still buzzing with raspberry and blueberry goodness, plenty of Zinny spice and a rocking savory finish."

92 Points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine - December 2011
"Big John is as big and strong as its name, with bacony, briary flavors and yet magically very refined and subtle in a way, like Nina Simone singing a sultry ballad full of melancholy and mirth. A pleasantly pronounced kiss of vanilla finishes things off. Pair with spicy sausage and other meats."

 93 Points, The Wine Enthusiast - December 2011
"The Dalton Vineyard is a beloved and prized source for winemaker Scott Klann. A cellar worthy Zin with a floral nose of violets and earthy blue fruit that segues slowly into structured tannins, bleedingly ripe plum notes and a spicy, almost leathery finish. The enological equivalent of Kurt Cobain acoustic in a thrift store sweater, it is raw power just waiting for a chance to surge." 

91 Points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine - December 2011
"This wine is true to its famous Foothills vineyard source year after year and 2009 is no exception. The wine is a little muted at first, gamey even, with looming, site-specific tarry structure. Give it a rest and it will open up in beautiful ways, its big, blueberry bones impeccably tamed."

94 Points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine - December 2011
"A new vineyard source for Newsome-Harlow and arguably its best single vineyard designated Zin out of a lineup of superbly delicious Zins. With a heady raspberry and blackberry nose, this Zin is classically lush and intense yet silky smooth in the mouth, tinged by hints of black pepper and licorice. Altogether so so good."