2023 JR Storey Zinfandel, Andrews Vineyard, Sonoma County
Sensory Notes
On the nose, the 2023 Andrews Vineyard Zinfandel opens with inviting aromas of ripe plum and black pepper, with a subtle hint of forest floor, a toasty quality, and a gentle touch of vanilla. On the palate, lush plum and black currant flavors are supported by silky, integrated tannins — generous, refined, and a true reflection of the Fountaingrove District terroir.
Vintage Notes
The 2023 growing season was shaped by heavy winter and spring rains that built exceptional soil moisture reserves. A cool summer extended the growing season, allowing the Zinfandel fruit to develop remarkable depth and complexity, yielding grapes with concentrated flavors and natural freshness.
Specs
Varietal Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Appellation: Fountaingrove District
Vineyard: Andrews Vineyard
Fermentation & Aging: 17 months, 100% neutral French oak
Harvest Date: October 2, 2023
Alcohol: 14.9%
pH: 3.72
Acidity: 0.60 g/100 ml
2023 JR Storey Winery Beast, The Final Chapter Red Wine, California
Sensory Notes
Beast opens with an enticing nose of ripe blackberry, currant, and blueberry, accented by vanilla and hints of pepper — lingering aromas that are hard to resist. Deep and spicy on the palate, generous flavors of plum and black currant are framed by firm, well-structured tannins. Long on the palate, the tantalizing sensations of the Beast not only tempt, but deliver.
Vintage Notes
The 2023 growing season was shaped by heavy winter and spring rains that built exceptional soil moisture reserves. A cool summer extended the growing season, allowing the grapes to develop remarkable depth and complexity, yielding fruit with concentrated flavors and natural freshness.
Specs
Varietal Composition: 47% Petite Sirah, 35% Grenache, 18% Zinfandel
Appellation: Sonoma County, Lake County
Fermentation & Aging: 17 months, 100% neutral French oak
Harvest Dates: September 18, 2023 & October 2, 2023
Alcohol: 14.74%
pH: 3.65
Acidity: 0.62 g/100 ml
Cases Produced: 199
What’s Included
4-bottles:
2x - 2023 JR Storey Zinfandel, Andrews Vineyard, Sonoma County
2x - 2023 JR Storey Winery Beast, The Final Chapter Red Wine, California
Case:
6x - 2023 JR Storey Zinfandel, Andrews Vineyard, Sonoma County
6x - 2023 JR Storey Winery Beast, The Final Chapter Red Wine, California
Welcome to JR Storey Winery, where tradition meets innovation in every bottle. Winemaker John Ross Storey began making wine in 1992 at Eric Ross Winery, and then opened his own winery in 2005. Combining time-honored techniques with modern precision to create wines that capture the essence of our terroir.
JR Storey is a small, family-owned winery crafting wines from carefully selected, hand-picked California vineyards with distinctive character. Winemaker John Ross Storey produces each wine in small lots with meticulous care, allowing the unique personality of each vineyard to shine.
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
JR Storey Winery Mixed Reds - $50 = 25.63%
Nothing to do with this wine, and not a bad thing (so just more usual useless information) but winery has a very erratic release schedule, or whatever it is I’m trying to say…
Especially since I just upped my membership to yearly:
Note: (it appears to me that) Monthly membership increased to $8.99, but if you opt for yearly, it works out to $5.99/month.
I am generally unhappy with the trend in Zinfandel production towards pruney, overripe, high alcohol and even sweet wines lacking grace, varietal character and longevity. Thus when I saw the borderline high alcohols in these two wines (14.9% for the Andrews vineyard and 14.75% for the forebodingly named “Beast”), I was concerned. On the other hand, John Storey has got game, and I have fond memories of his previous vintages, so I pulled these corks with an open mind and a hopeful heart.
Beginning with the Andrews Vineyard 2023 Zinfandel, the color, to my delight, is a brilliant ruby with no signs of field oxidation. Some have called 2023 the vintage of the century, and here is proof. The nose is redolent with blackberries and plums underlaid with a civilized dose of toast and vanilla and no hint of raisins. Even more striking is the graceful tannin and bright acidity the palate serves up, with no hint of the graininess so often seen in this variety. The ABV does show up as a bit of heat in the finish, but it does not impair the long, juicy aftertaste. Yum!
Try as I might, I can find no vintage declaration on the label of The Beast, nor any hint to its composition. It certainly tastes like Zinfandel – another good one. Despite its slightly lower ABV claim, it tends toward higher ripeness than the Andrews. The color is a notch lighter and more red than ruby. There’s plenty of oak spice in the nose which upstages the fruit, suffering in comparison to the Andrews Vineyard but still made in the realm of a civilized dinner wine.
Again in the mouth we are treated to an unexpected velvety texture, particularly given the high percentage of Petite Sirah. Its appetizing finish shows off the Grenache component, though slightly marred by heat. But I am being picky here due to the comparison with its near-perfect companion.
In sum, I’d say this package is a real bargain from a courageous classically-styled producer who deserves our support.
@winesmith thanks, I was slightly intrigued, but your honest observations puts me in the no thank you column. Plus without summer shipping or hold in play @Winedavid59 no way
Actually can’t believe I bought some of the Schumblerger
@winesmith I’ve drunk several JR Storey wines over the years and have found them to be consistently very good. Good winemaker sourcing grapes throughout CA.
@FritzCat@hscottk@losthighwayz Agree…as lost says perhaps unfair but back of my little head says a winemaker wouldn’t particularly want to throw another winemaker under the bus on this forum
@hscottk@losthighwayz I skip over “reviews” from “the brotherhood”. Sad to see this happening. But almost the same can be said for anyone who receives a free bottle (and who hopes to receive future rattage opportunities).
@losthighwayz@gatorfl@fritzcat I agree with most of the comments here. I like the geeky side of winemaker reviews which most mere mortals couldn’t provide. But many have stated, I don’t expect to hear much in the way of criticism, so that has to be taken into consideration.
It’s just interesting that we’re seeing so many of these lately.
@losthighwayz@PaleMongo I don’t really agree that this happens across the board. Most of us have more wine than we can drink and don’t really need free wine. I, personally, have delivered such reviews. I don’t trash the wine but will definitely comment on it not being my style or aspects that don’t appeal to me. I’ve seen plenty of negative reviews over the years, so I think the % of ‘homers’ that will gush over any free wine they get is small.
@hscottk Winesmith speaks his truth; I don’t think anybody could take issue with that! And he does it with entertaining and educational pizazz. I’d have a glass of wine/beer/cup of coffee with the guy any time and enjoy talking about the beverage we were enjoying, music, and probably a dozen other things.
I think these sound interesting. Anyone in SF or nearby Bay Area interested in a split? At $12/bottle (plus free shipping) this seems like a great deal. A little harder for me to justify the 26% “up charge” (or lack of a 26% discount) for the four pack. So, any Casemates out there?
I’m not a wine maker or in the industry. As i said above, I have had several Storey wines over the years. Consistently very good. I tried the Zinfandel recently and it was wonderful. Quality producer. Seems a shame that some are more concerned with who reviews the wine than whether the wine and wine maker are good
No connection to the winery. I’ve been a member of wootwine / casemates for years. Rarely if ever post; not my thing. Just like his wines & didn’t like the fact that folks were getting hung up on who was reviewing rather than the thoughts on the wine
To a certain extent, we winemakers deserve your distrust due to our mendacious pandering to the Natural Wine papparazzi by claiming “I do the minimum,” whatever that means.
It’s a personal first for me to be considered among “the brotherhood” in light of the constant criticism I post about Napa clown wines and the pruney, overripe Zinfandel craze. I take plenty of flack from nattie retailers for being honest about my use of technologies. Hell, I wrote a whole book about it. As the king of manipulation, it’s cost me plenty of sales, but I’m not going to shrink from the duty to make the best wine I can and even to brag about how I do it.
If the Storey wines were the crap I feared they might be, it’s true that I might have chosen to say nothing. But since I did choose to write them up, you can take my not-entirely-positive reviews at face value. I do wish the wines had a little less alcohol.
If I have a brotherhood, it’s you guys. Casemates is the only forum I know of (apart from one day per year on wineberserker) where I get to connect with people who understand what WineSmith is about and value my frank if boring technical discussions.
I’m a little disappointed that my reputation for honesty hasn’t been very well established by now. But I guess it is what it is. Good to know.
@rjquillin@winesmith Clark, I don’t think any of this from anyone was directed at you, heck I thanked you for your honesty. But the winemaker/ITB rats are a new twist and you just happened to be the lucky guy that posted and prompted some comments.
@winesmith I may be in the minority here but I find it difficult to trust you after the Two Jake’s mixed case debacle a few years back where my case included six undrinkable Roman reserves. Truly felt like they were dumped on us
@kaolis@rjquillin@winesmith@losthighwayz
Completely agree with this, nothing personal but I have felt this way with every winemakers rat. Also saying nothing would be just as damning to a fellow winemakers work as a bad report, no win IMHO.
OK, while we have no winery participation, after some thought, I’m taking this (my response) to the Pub; doesn’t seem like the discussion belongs in the offer thread.
@losthighwayz@winesmith I’ve had a few bottles of Roman reserve that you mention and they were good to excellent. Not crowd playing, mind you, but certainly not flawed.
Also, is it fair to keep giving Clark crap for one bottling that you (and a number of others) didn’t enjoy several years after the fact?
@kaolis@losthighwayz@rjquillin@ScottW58@winesmith as got winemakers being rats, descriptive reviews are best, imo. You don’t need to opine on how much you like it, but having knowledgeable palates describe the wine is super helpful. Doesn’t matter whether you’re ITB or not.
My 2 cents, when Scott (or Peter if iirc) say I’m in, I take note. And, as far as Clark and others being shills, don’t they also have their own reputations on the line if it’s crap?
Not a shill but full disclosure I know the winemaker and have been enjoying his wines for years. Consistent quality in both the whites and the reds, and always good value. I agree sometimes I’d be happier with a little less alcohol but that’s just my taste. Happy consumer.
Opened the first bottle of the Zin tonight. Burn of alcohol up front, with first taste is drifting toward sour. Hoping this opens up as a disappointment otherwise.
JR Storey Winery Mixed Reds
2023 JR Storey Zinfandel, Andrews Vineyard, Sonoma County
Sensory Notes
Vintage Notes
Specs
2023 JR Storey Winery Beast, The Final Chapter Red Wine, California
Sensory Notes
Vintage Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not available on winery website, $510/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jun 22 - Tuesday, Jun 23
JR Storey Winery Mixed Reds
4 bottles for $64.99 $16.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $144.99 $12.08/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2023 JR Storey Zinfandel
2023 JR Storey Winery Beast
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
JR Storey Winery Mixed Reds - $50 = 25.63%
Nothing to do with this wine, and not a bad thing (so just more usual useless information) but winery has a very erratic release schedule, or whatever it is I’m trying to say…
@kaolis
Yes, I noticed that too, when looking at CT entries; for whatever that is worth
@rjquillin based on previous releases seems to be a bit of a hobby winery if that’s the right term
Wish there were some Rats around here…
Especially since I just upped my membership to yearly:
Note: (it appears to me that) Monthly membership increased to $8.99, but if you opt for yearly, it works out to $5.99/month.
@FritzCat i’m also very eager to see the rattage, i found bupkis when i looked for reviews about this wine or others from the winery
I am generally unhappy with the trend in Zinfandel production towards pruney, overripe, high alcohol and even sweet wines lacking grace, varietal character and longevity. Thus when I saw the borderline high alcohols in these two wines (14.9% for the Andrews vineyard and 14.75% for the forebodingly named “Beast”), I was concerned. On the other hand, John Storey has got game, and I have fond memories of his previous vintages, so I pulled these corks with an open mind and a hopeful heart.
Beginning with the Andrews Vineyard 2023 Zinfandel, the color, to my delight, is a brilliant ruby with no signs of field oxidation. Some have called 2023 the vintage of the century, and here is proof. The nose is redolent with blackberries and plums underlaid with a civilized dose of toast and vanilla and no hint of raisins. Even more striking is the graceful tannin and bright acidity the palate serves up, with no hint of the graininess so often seen in this variety. The ABV does show up as a bit of heat in the finish, but it does not impair the long, juicy aftertaste. Yum!
Try as I might, I can find no vintage declaration on the label of The Beast, nor any hint to its composition. It certainly tastes like Zinfandel – another good one. Despite its slightly lower ABV claim, it tends toward higher ripeness than the Andrews. The color is a notch lighter and more red than ruby. There’s plenty of oak spice in the nose which upstages the fruit, suffering in comparison to the Andrews Vineyard but still made in the realm of a civilized dinner wine.
Again in the mouth we are treated to an unexpected velvety texture, particularly given the high percentage of Petite Sirah. Its appetizing finish shows off the Grenache component, though slightly marred by heat. But I am being picky here due to the comparison with its near-perfect companion.
In sum, I’d say this package is a real bargain from a courageous classically-styled producer who deserves our support.
@winesmith thanks, I was slightly intrigued, but your honest observations puts me in the no thank you column. Plus without summer shipping or hold in play @Winedavid59 no way
Actually can’t believe I bought some of the Schumblerger
@winesmith I’ve drunk several JR Storey wines over the years and have found them to be consistently very good. Good winemaker sourcing grapes throughout CA.
@winesmith
I’ve never run across such a statement in a wine quality review before. Perhaps a GoFundMe link is missing here.
@kaolis @Winedavid59 @winesmith I have been looking for Summer Hold as well!
Is it me, or are we seeing more winemaker labrat reports these days than from general civilians? Is this the new normal?
@hscottk I take every winemaker rattage with a grain of salt tbh they’re all in the same business and would never say anything bad about a colleague
@hscottk @losthighwayz Although I have the utmost respect for Winesmith, I can’t disagree with this sentiment.
@FritzCat @hscottk @losthighwayz Agree…as lost says perhaps unfair but back of my little head says a winemaker wouldn’t particularly want to throw another winemaker under the bus on this forum
@hscottk @losthighwayz I skip over “reviews” from “the brotherhood”. Sad to see this happening. But almost the same can be said for anyone who receives a free bottle (and who hopes to receive future rattage opportunities).
@hscottk I was lucky enough to rat recently. I’m definitely not a winemaker!
@losthighwayz @gatorfl @fritzcat I agree with most of the comments here. I like the geeky side of winemaker reviews which most mere mortals couldn’t provide. But many have stated, I don’t expect to hear much in the way of criticism, so that has to be taken into consideration.
It’s just interesting that we’re seeing so many of these lately.
@losthighwayz @PaleMongo I don’t really agree that this happens across the board. Most of us have more wine than we can drink and don’t really need free wine. I, personally, have delivered such reviews. I don’t trash the wine but will definitely comment on it not being my style or aspects that don’t appeal to me. I’ve seen plenty of negative reviews over the years, so I think the % of ‘homers’ that will gush over any free wine they get is small.
@hscottk Winesmith speaks his truth; I don’t think anybody could take issue with that! And he does it with entertaining and educational pizazz. I’d have a glass of wine/beer/cup of coffee with the guy any time and enjoy talking about the beverage we were enjoying, music, and probably a dozen other things.
I think these sound interesting. Anyone in SF or nearby Bay Area interested in a split? At $12/bottle (plus free shipping) this seems like a great deal. A little harder for me to justify the 26% “up charge” (or lack of a 26% discount) for the four pack. So, any Casemates out there?
@davidj94112 Yes, in for 4 to 6 bottles and located in the Southbay.
@davidj94112 would be up for 4 to 6 split, I’m in Daly City
@davidj94112 I can take 4!
@davidj94112 Oh never mind, looks like all split. Unless… we do 2 6/6 splits.
I’m not a wine maker or in the industry. As i said above, I have had several Storey wines over the years. Consistently very good. I tried the Zinfandel recently and it was wonderful. Quality producer. Seems a shame that some are more concerned with who reviews the wine than whether the wine and wine maker are good
@gumbodog Your comment has the feel of someone connected to the winery in some capacity. Your only posts in the last 30 days are for this wine.
My apologies if I’m off base here, but shills are a thing and this sure feels like one.
No connection to the winery. I’ve been a member of wootwine / casemates for years. Rarely if ever post; not my thing. Just like his wines & didn’t like the fact that folks were getting hung up on who was reviewing rather than the thoughts on the wine
To a certain extent, we winemakers deserve your distrust due to our mendacious pandering to the Natural Wine papparazzi by claiming “I do the minimum,” whatever that means.
It’s a personal first for me to be considered among “the brotherhood” in light of the constant criticism I post about Napa clown wines and the pruney, overripe Zinfandel craze. I take plenty of flack from nattie retailers for being honest about my use of technologies. Hell, I wrote a whole book about it. As the king of manipulation, it’s cost me plenty of sales, but I’m not going to shrink from the duty to make the best wine I can and even to brag about how I do it.
If the Storey wines were the crap I feared they might be, it’s true that I might have chosen to say nothing. But since I did choose to write them up, you can take my not-entirely-positive reviews at face value. I do wish the wines had a little less alcohol.
If I have a brotherhood, it’s you guys. Casemates is the only forum I know of (apart from one day per year on wineberserker) where I get to connect with people who understand what WineSmith is about and value my frank if boring technical discussions.
I’m a little disappointed that my reputation for honesty hasn’t been very well established by now. But I guess it is what it is. Good to know.
@winesmith
Perhaps newer 'mates here that really have no idea of your past here or on WW…
@rjquillin @winesmith Clark, I don’t think any of this from anyone was directed at you, heck I thanked you for your honesty. But the winemaker/ITB rats are a new twist and you just happened to be the lucky guy that posted and prompted some comments.
@rjquillin @winesmith
Hear, hear!
@winesmith I may be in the minority here but I find it difficult to trust you after the Two Jake’s mixed case debacle a few years back where my case included six undrinkable Roman reserves. Truly felt like they were dumped on us
@kaolis @rjquillin @winesmith @losthighwayz
Completely agree with this, nothing personal but I have felt this way with every winemakers rat. Also saying nothing would be just as damning to a fellow winemakers work as a bad report, no win IMHO.
@kaolis @ScottW58 @winesmith @winedavid59
OK, while we have no winery participation, after some thought, I’m taking this (my response) to the Pub; doesn’t seem like the discussion belongs in the offer thread.
@rjquillin @ScottW58 @Winedavid59 @winesmith went to the pub but not sure why it can’t be discussed here…that and summer shipping and summer hold
fwiw
@losthighwayz @winesmith I’ve had a few bottles of Roman reserve that you mention and they were good to excellent. Not crowd playing, mind you, but certainly not flawed.
Also, is it fair to keep giving Clark crap for one bottling that you (and a number of others) didn’t enjoy several years after the fact?
@kaolis @losthighwayz @rjquillin @ScottW58 @winesmith as got winemakers being rats, descriptive reviews are best, imo. You don’t need to opine on how much you like it, but having knowledgeable palates describe the wine is super helpful. Doesn’t matter whether you’re ITB or not.
My 2 cents, when Scott (or Peter if iirc) say I’m in, I take note. And, as far as Clark and others being shills, don’t they also have their own reputations on the line if it’s crap?
Not a shill but full disclosure I know the winemaker and have been enjoying his wines for years. Consistent quality in both the whites and the reds, and always good value. I agree sometimes I’d be happier with a little less alcohol but that’s just my taste. Happy consumer.
Opened the first bottle of the Zin tonight. Burn of alcohol up front, with first taste is drifting toward sour. Hoping this opens up as a disappointment otherwise.