92-94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$35 list] Bright ruby. Sexy, pungent aromas of cassis, blackberry and Asian spices. Deep, sweet and sappy, offering round, supple dark berry preserve flavors and good spicy snap. Impressively balanced for such a rich wine, with outstanding finishing sweetness and length. (May/Jun 2008)"

92 points Wine & Spirits: "[$35 list] From vines planted in the 1890s on benchlands between the Alexander and Russian River valleys, Big River produced a fat zin in 2006. The stalwart structure allows it to expand into a juicy middle, where the deep mineral tannins are saturated by the floral black fruit before they tighten up around it. Decant a bottle for roast lamb. 1,655 cases. (Apr 2009)"