{Cedarville Reviews}

Here is what the wine critics are saying about Cedarville Vineyard and our wines:

2022 Viognier:  A luscious, unusual take on viognier that achieves great concentration, beautiful flavors and a long, long finish. It’s full-bodied, quite viscous and creamy, offering lavender and honeysuckle aromas and poached pear and vanilla bean flavors. JamesSuckling.com / Jim Gordon, 94 Points

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon:   Pretty, complete and well balanced, with a delicious core of black fruit and a lingering finish. Full-bodied and moderately tannic as it softly grips tasty blackcurrants, blueberries, spearmint and cedar. Flavors expand on the palate and linger in the finish. JamesSuckling.com / Jim Gordon, 92 Points

2020 The Rules of Fair Play:  This wine is concentrated, with aromas of black currant confiture, brambled blackberry, cinnamon spice and violet on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry coulis, cardamom and habanero jelly, intertwined with orange blossom, bittersweet chocolate, dried herbs and a silky, long finish. Decant and pair with braised meats. — Tonya Pitts, Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points

2020 Turnabout's Fair Play:  This wine is concentrated, with aromas of black currant confiture, brambled blackberry, cinnamon spice and violet on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry coulis, cardamom and habanero jelly, intertwined with orange blossom, bittersweet chocolate, dried herbs and a silky, long finish. Decant and pair with braised meats.  Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points

2020 Petite Sirah:  Opaque, inky ruby-purple in the glass, this Petite Sirah is as weighty and voluptuous as it looks. It immediately emits aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, bramble, forest floor, tree bark, dried leaf litter, licorice, fennel, black pepper and crushed violets. The palate is rich with ripe tannins and elevated alcohol, both of which are well met by the concentrated fruit structure. Additional flavors include mission fig, nutmeg and cacao, which intermingle as they wind toward a lengthy finish.  Wine Enthusiast, 93 Points

2020 Syrah:  In a nod to the Northern Rhône, this El Dorado Syrah incorporates 4% Viognier into the mix. Initial aromas suggest black plum and cherry, chocolate, nutmeg, vanilla, tarragon and fennel. The palate adds tones of black pepper, mission fig and licorice. Enjoy with a variety of meals, such as grilled rack of lamb with a pea-mint purée.  Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points

2019 Syrah:  This generously full-bodied Syrah from El Dorado County incorporates 4% Viognier in a nod to the Northern Rhone style. And the results to not disappoint. Aromatically perfumed with black cherry, plum and currant, star anise, clove, black pepper, the palate offers firm, structural tannins and a medium-to-full body that rich with concentrated fruits, elegantly spiced with oak—all leading toward an appetizingly long finish.  Wine Enthusiast, Cellar Selection. 92 Points

2019 Petite Sirah:  A little shy on the nose, the palate of this varietal Petite Sirah opens up quite well with notes of black pepper, black cherry, plum, toasted wood, charred meat umami set against mouth-coating tannins, modest acidity and leading toward a solid finish.  Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Reviews from 2021 and 2022

2020 Viognier - Estate: Abundant spicy, toasty, buttery aromas lead to ripe, rich, poached pear, white-pepper and vanilla flavors in this generous, complex and indulgent wine that is nevertheless well balanced and appetizing. Can't wait to see how this tastes after aging longer. Best from 2025. Cellar Selection. 94 Points

2018 The Rules of Fair Play: This rich, toasty and darkly fruity Zinfandel-Petite Sirah blend is deep and concentrated, wrapping moderate tannins around well-ripened black plum and blueberry. It offers wonderful nuances of cinnamon, black pepper and cardamom that keep it interesting through a lingering finish. Editors Choice. 94 Points 2019 Zinfandel - Estate: This concentrated and complex wine made in tiny quantities is packed with mint, eucalyptus, blackberry and sage flavors backed by firm, fine-grained tannins that bode well for further aging. Best 2024-2030. Cellar Selection. 93 Points

2019 Zinfandel - Estate: This concentrated and complex wine made in tiny quantities is packed with mint, eucalyptus, blackberry and sage flavors backed by firm, fine-grained tannins that bode well for further aging. Best 2024–2030. Cellar Selection. 93 Points

2019 Grenache - Estate: This warm, generous and broadly fruity wine blends lush, ripe plums, strawberries and sunbaked earth notes on a full body braced by light tannins. It's a hearty, mouthfilling and satisfying wine. 92 Points 2018 Zinfandel - Estate: This generous, full-bodied and well-structured wine is easy to enjoy and will be natural to pair with meats and pastas. Good raspberry and strawberry flavors are accented by light oak notes of vanilla and cedar while being supported by light tannins in the texture. Editors Choice. 92 Points

2018 Zinfandel - Estate: This generous, full-bodied and well-structured wine is easy to enjoy and will be natural to pair with meats and pastas. Good raspberry and strawberry flavors are accented by light oak notes of vanilla and cedar while being supported by light tannins in the texture. Editors Choice. 92 Points

2018 Syrah - Estate: Bold charcoal and toasted oak notes are wrapped in firm tannins as this full-bodied wine puts oaky, peppery flavors forward. Delicious black cherry, blueberry and dark chocolate reveal themselves with more sipping. Best from 2025. 91 Points

2018 Petite Sirah - Naylor Vineyard: Loads of black pepper and wood smoke flavors meet ripe blackberries and blueberries in this full-bodied, richly tannic wine. It is quite bold, big and mouthfilling and should only improve with time. Best 2025-2035. 91 Points

2019 Viognier - Estate: Strong wood-char and toasted bread notes dominate the aroma and the flavor of this full-bodied wine at first, even though only 10% new oak was used. Bass notes of poached pear and peaches develop with more sipping. While the smoky oak effect is strong, the concentration of fruit flavors should subdue it with time. Best from 2025. 91 Points

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Reviews from 2020

2017 Grenache - Estate: Wonderfully earthy spicy aromas and meaty savory flavors give this full-bodied but not very tannic wine an enticing, funky personality. Scents of balsam, tobacco and cedar join prune and grilled plum flavors that are complex and intriguing. 93 Points

2017 Syrah - Estate: Layeredand rich, this full-bodied wine is jam-packed with blackberry and black-pepper flavors, accented by vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate notes, offers a smooth texture and almost sweet. 92 Points

2017 Zinfandel - Estate: Abundant oak spices complement deep, ripe fruit flavors in this full-bodied, moderately tannic, classic wine. It has good heft on the palate and pours out cinnamon, vanilla and wood-smoke accents to enhance the good blackberry and dark-chocolate. 92 Points

2017 Petite Sirah - Naylor Vineyard: Concentrated, tannic but also complex and spicy, this full-bodied wine offers power with polish. Very firm tannins frame deep blackberry and blueberry flavors while cedar and cinnamon nuances broaden the palate. Best from 2023. 92 Points, Cellar Selection

2017 The Rules of Fair Play: This very full-bodied blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah is packed with cocoa, toasted oak and baking-spice flavors on a thick but appealing structure of fine-grained tannins. It has a lip-smacking texture, very concentrated fruit and chocolate notes and a lingering finish. Best enjoyed from 2023. 92 Points

2018 Viognier - Estate: This full-bodied wine is big and broad from the first whiff of salted, roasted almonds to ripe fig flavors and an almost custard-like finish. It's not so much ripe fruitiness but rich baking spices and buttered popcorn that lead the charge. 92 Points

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon - Estate: An engaging peppery, beefy aroma and a palate full of rich black fruit and oak spices make this a big, complex wine. Cedar, clove and baking spices accompany very ripe blackberries on a smooth, moderately tannic texture. It was aged for 21 months in 50% new French oak. 91 Points

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Reviews from 2019

2016 Syrah - Estate: Editors' Choice. Packed with black pepper and wood-smoke flavors, this full-bodied wine from a high-elevation site shows a distinct character based on deep dark fruit and herb flavors and lively oak spices. It is concentrated and complex, revealing more nuances with each sip. Best through 2026.  94 Points

2016 Cabernet Sauvignon - Estate: Big, bold butter and toast flavors and a rich, almost thick texture make this full-bodied wine imposing. Grown at 2,500-feet elevation, it is nicely viscous, flooding the palate with butterscotch, hazelnut and almond notes that linger on the finish. 92 Points

2016 The Rules of Fair Play:  Smooth, layered, and easy to like, this full-bodied blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah pairs moderate and tempting oak spices with fully ripe plum and raisin flavors. It has good richness and concentration that keep the baking spice and luxurious fruitiness echoing on the finish.. 92 Points

2017 Viognier - Estate:  Big, bold butter and toast flavors and a rich, almost thick texture make this full-bodied wine imposing. Grown at 2,500-feet elevation, it is nicely viscous, flooding the palate with butterscotch, hazelnut and almond notes that linger on the finish. 92 Points

2016 Grenache - Estate: Fascinating aromas and intricate flavors make this full-bodied wine interesting and delicious. The aroma holds a blend of red cherry, rhubarb and cedar, while the flavors show handsome oak spices over concentrated cherry, sage and earth notes 91 Points.

2016 Zinfandel Estate: This spicy, smoky, medium-bodied wine is consistently a maverick in character. It has aromas of dried beef and berries, and rich fruit and mineral flavors that are well-seasoned with salt and pepper nuances. 90 Points

2016 Petite Sirah - Naylor Vineyard: This firmly structured and full-bodied wine is well focused on black-fruit flavors, judiciously spiced with oak and relatively refined in mouthfeel despite the obvious tannins. It's a big but civilized wine that will drink best after 2024. 90 Points, Cellar Selection


Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Reviews from 2018

2015 Grenache - Estate: Sophisticated in flavor and extremely smooth in texture, this high-elevation wine is easy to enjoy while also offering interesting nuances of fig and black pepper in the aroma, and plump plum and raspberry on the palate. It's another excellent wine from the very consistent Cedarville property. 92 Points. Editors Choice.
 

 

2016 Viognier- Estate: In the opulent, concentrated school of thought this wonderful luxurious-tasting wine is shaped by very ripe fruit flavors and generous helpings of suave oak. Flavors run from marzipan to honeysuckle and poached pears, and a nicely viscous texture fills the mouth and helps the finish linger. 92 Points.
 

2015 Syrah - Estate: This wine is rich and concentrated from the deep garnet color to the blackberry aromas and generous, almost jammy fruit flavors. Full body, moderate tannins and mild acidity provide good balance and a mouth-filling texture. 91 Points.
 

2015 Zinfandel - Estate: A peppery, herbaceous aroma and savory spicy flavors make this full-bodied wine, grown at high elevation, a bit edgy but full of personality. The flavors, at first, resemble grilled fruit and beef juices, then ripe black plums flow in, complementing a texture that is firm and moderately tannic. 90 Points.
 

2015 Petite Sirah - Naylor Vineyard: This generous, concentrated and full-bodied wine has rich dense flavors and a very firm structure. A touch of spicy earthiness in the aroma leads to luscious notes of blackberry jam and dark chocolate on the palate. 90 Points.
 

2015 The Rules of Fair Play: An enticing toasty spicy oak aroma leads to good, ripe blackberry and black-cherry flavors that are layered and concentrated. This full-bodied wine is made from 62% Zinfandel and 38% Petite Sirah. It shows a lot of oak character but does it well and backs it up with ample rich fruit notes and a moderately tannic texture. 90 Points.
 

2015 Cabernet Sauvignon - Estate: Full bodied and concentrated in flavor, this wine matches rich, almost jammy flavors with hints of black pepper and toasted oak while firm tannins give it plenty of grip on the palate. 89 Points.

 

Forbes, Cathy Huyghe, "Five Weekend Wines that will change your mind about Zinfandel", January 26, 2018

2016 Zinfandel - Estate: One of the reasons I like Cedarville Vineyard’s 2015 Zinfandel so much is that I liked their 2016 barrel sample even more. It’s a little backwards, I know, but it’s like enjoying children even more because you knew them when they were babies, and you’ve watched them grow and come into themselves. Winemaker Jonathan Lachs seems shy of the fanfare around him when he pours, but quietly proud of the attention his wines have earned. He's energizing an area that's gaining in recognition -- the town of Fair Play, at 2500 foot elevation, in the El Dorado AVA in the Sierra Foothills.

 

Napa Valley Register, Allison Levine, "Reconsidering Zinfandel", January 27, 2018
 

2015 Zinfandel - Estate:
100% Zinfandel, it is a young wine with bright raspberry and blackberry notes, white pepper, and a touch of perfume. The wine has refreshing acidity and fine tannins.
 

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, October - December 2017

2014 Petite Sirah - Naylor Vineyard: In this opulent, layered and full-bodied wine, a smoky beefy aroma and a melt-in-the-mouth texture come with flavors of dark maraschino cherries, dark chocolate and baking spices. It's very mouth filling and mouth coating as well as firmly tannic, but the richness of the flavors helps it to drink very smoothly. 92 Points. Editor's Choice.
 

2014 Syrah - Estate: Very rich and jammy, this full-bodied wine grown at 2,500 feet has spicy oak aromas, lavishly ripe blackberry and dried cherry flavors and a mouth-coating texture. Its vanilla, nutmeg and toasted bread aromas meld nicely with all the fruit notes for a complex, showy, wine. 91 Points.

2015 Viognier - Estate: This is a luscious wine with a smooth and hearty mouthfeel, ample ripe fruit reminiscent of pears and white peaches, and vanilla and honey accents on both the nose and palate. Fermented in neutral barrels, it doesn't have oaky flavors but feels soft in acidity and seems to melt in the mouth. 91 Points. Editor's Choice

2014 Zinfandel - Estate: Aromas of wood smoke and grilled meat set up bold smoky, peppery flavors in this complex, spicy and full-bodied wine. The savory beefy aspects are a pleasure to taste and there is a good foundation of mild tannins and solid cherry flavors. 90 Points.

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon - Estate: Quite spicy and nicely oaky in aroma and flavor without seeming overdone, this wine offers smooth and elegant red and black cherry flavors and a generous, soothing texture. 90 Points.

2014 The Rules of Fair Play: Opulent and ripe but also full of black pepper and clove, this wine is full-bodied, spicy and firmly structured. It has good supportive tannins in the texture while blackberry, smoke and charred oak flavors make for interesting flavor complexity. 90 Points.

 

International Wine Review - June 2017

2014 The Rules of Fair Play: An elegant and complex wine offering ripe and spicy dark cherry fruit, good mid-palate flavor, excellent structure and acidity, silky soft tannins and a long finish. Superb. 93 Points.
 

2014 Zinfandel - Estate: The 2014 Estate Zinfandel is a pretty wine, exhibiting a red ruby color and aromas of fresh black raspberries. It also offers excellent balance and crisp acidity like a cool climate wine. Very well done. Grapes farmed organically. 91 Points.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, October - November 2016

 

2013 Syrah: An aroma like charcoal and fennel leads to concentrated smoke and black-pepper flavors and a taut, tannic texture before more generous nuances like black cherry and savory lentils kick in. It's a fascinating wine that develops more layers and complexity as it breathes. Best after 2019.
92 Points. Cellar Selection.
 

2013 Petite Sirah: Good depth of flavor and a sense of layering makes this wine especially enjoyable. A big aroma pulls in wood smoke, black pepper, black cherry, generous fruit flavors, dark chocolate and smoky accents.
92 Points. Editor's Choice.
 

2014 Viognier: This wine has the complete butter and baking-spice treatment from barrel fermentation to make it rich in aromatics and full and creamy in texture. It has a light tangerine and cream aroma, rich fruit and baking-spice flavors and a lingering finish.
92 Points. Editor's Choice.
 

2013 Cabernet Sauvignon: This engaging, full-bodied and densely textured wine has a great bouquet and structured yet fine-grained tannins. It exudes an engaging mix of spices, smoke and cedar in the aroma, and serves equally layered and complex fruit and spice flavors. Best after 2018.
91 Points
 

2012 Turnabout's Fair Play: Hints of charred wood and fresh-cracked black pepper meet tasty baked-fruit flavors in this full-bodied, rather rugged wine made from Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a good, firm and moderately tannic texture.
90 Points
 

2013 Zinfandel: A blend of dark fruits, savory nuances and black pepper give this dry, full-bodied wine a unique personality. It tastes and feels big on the palate, finishing with warmth.
89 Points

2013 Grenache: Rich in body but light in tannins, this warm, generous wine fills the mouth and eases down the throat. It has a good mélange of cherry, strawberry and floral aromas, satisfying fruit flavors and a nicely soft finish.
89 Points. Editor's Choice
 

 

Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September - December 2015
 

2012 Petite Sirah: Dense and intense, with loads of fine-grained tannin, this is a deep, dark-colored wine with oodles of flavor and a very thick texture. As massive as it is in texture though, delicious flavors like blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate come through and then linger on the finish. Drink from 2016 to 2026. Cellar Selection. 92 Points

2012 Zinfandel: A very well-built and elegant dinner wine, this smells like boysenberry and black pepper. It tastes nicely reserved and almost meaty, with moderate tannins to add grip to the texture. It should pair nicely with a roast or braise. 90 Points

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon: Fully ripe, saturated fruit aromas lead to deep, lush flavors and a smooth, moderately tannic texture. The wine lets dried plum flavors shine through without a lot of oak tones, so it tastes focused and pure. It keeps improving with each sip. Best now through 2019. 90 Points

2013 Viognier: Made in a deliciously oaky style, this smells like melted butter and toasted baguette, tastes like ripe pears drizzled with crème anglaise and feels almost sweet. The toasted oak component adds a touch of bitterness to balance the richness, and it all works beautifully for this approach. 90 Points

2012 Syrah: This full-bodied and assertive wine from hillside vineyards has earthy aromas, ripe but dry fruit flavors, and a dense texture due to mouth-coating tannins. It will need time in the bottle to round off, but should be delicious after 2018. Cellar Selection. 89 Points

2012 Rules of Fair Play: More of a Zinfandel than a red blend, this has plenty of flavor and more tannin than usual. Containing 40% Petite Sirah, it offers a surplus of juicy plum and black cherry flavors, good balance and just enough grippy tannin to make it robust. 89 Points

Wine Spectator, June 15, 2008
"You'll get personal attention when you visit this tiny, family-run winery. Armed with enology degrees from the University of California, Davis, Jonathan Lachs and Susan Marks have flown by the seat of their pants to build their business, and after just more than a decade, they?re producing some of the best Zinfandels in the area. Situated at an elevation of 2,500 feet in the Fair Play region, the modest winery produces 2,300 cases annually from 15 acres of estate vineyards. Lachs and Marks show visitors around personally, pouring tastes during the tour of the winery and caves."

Robert Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No. 7
"In less than a decade, this winery has managed to produce some very tasty wines offered at intriguing prices. They are well-made, reasonably priced, delicious efforts that never disappoint."

Sacramento Bee February 28, 2010
"Cedarville Vineyard, one of the most respected wineries in the foothills.  They've been getting raves nearly since their first vintage."
Please add the following reviews in the 4th position:

THE RHONE REPORT November 2009
"Cedarville Vineyard:  This is another under the radar producer that showed beautifully in blind tastings. These are excellent, well made wines that display plenty of character and will pair up well with food. They also offer excellent value and are well worth checking out.

2007 Cedarville Vineyard Viognier:  100% Viognier and showing a closed, tight personality, the 2007 Cedarville Vineyard Viognier shows ripe tropical fruits, pear, stone and slate aromatics with a kiss of new oak. The palate is medium to full bodied and shows nice acidity and a long finish. (88 pts.)
2006 Cedarville Vineyard Syrah:   An outstanding wine, the 2006 Cedarville Vineyard Syrah offers up pure, bright aromatics of spice laden blackberry and cassis fruit, flowers, charred earth and espresso. Medium to full bodied on the palate, it has rich, concentrated fruit, nice acidity and a tannic, long finish. Enjoy this over the next 4to 6 years. (90 pts.)
2006 Cedarville Vineyard Grenache:  The 2006 Cedarville Vineyard Grenache is an excellent wine and has ripe, spice and underbrush driven aromatics. There's subtle vanilla, mulled cherries and meat aromas as well and in the mouth, the wine is medium bodied with a firm, savory, rich texture and slightly drying tannin on the finish. I'd recommend enjoying these over the next 5 to 8 years. (88 pts.)
2006 Cedarville Vineyard Petite Sirah:  Superb, the 2006 Cedarville Vineyard Petite Sirah has complex aromatics of assorted dark fruits, sweaty saddle leather, earth, graphite and subtle meat that lead into a medium to full bodied, balanced and rich wine. There's lot of texture here along with ripe, fine grained tannins. This should drink well over the next 10+ years. (90 pts.)

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, January 2009 (2006 Cedarville Vineyard Zinfandel)
"While happily not a wine that goes to the point of excess, this very ripe youngster is every inch Sierra Foothill Zin, and it wants pairing with like-minded, very flavorful foods. 88 points, One Puff"

Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, August 31, 2007
"Attractively packaged, well-made wines seem to be the rule at the Cedarville Vineyard."

Randy Caparoso  February 2010
"Cedarville Vineyard:  Located 2,500 feet up in the spectacular mountain setting of the Sierra Foothills, this vineyard has produced equally spectacular zins on a consistent basis during the past decade."

Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, October 31, 2003
"This winery, which is turning out attractive Rhone Ranger offerings, also produces good Zinfandels"

Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, October 31, 2003
"This winery, which is turning out attractive Rhone Ranger offerings, also produces good Zinfandels"

Wine Spectator, October 31, 2003
"Cedarville accepts visitors by appointment only and offers tastings of their notable Rhone varietals"

Linda Murphy, Wine Editor, San Francisco Chronicle, February 6, 2003
"There is a lot of buzz about Cedarville Vineyard, a Zinfandel, Syrah and Grenache brand owned by wife and husband team Susan Marks and Jonathan Lachs -- UC Davis enology grads who released their first wine from the 1998 vintage."

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines, December 2001
The NEWCOMER of the YEAR AWARD for 2001. Given to Cedarville Vineyard, the creation of Davis-trained winemakers Susan Marks and Jonathan Lachs for their blockbuster, fruit filled El Dorado County Syrahs and Zinfandels.

West Coast Wine Network Tasting Panel, June 27 2001
"Cedarville Vineyard 1999 Zinfandel, 1999 Syrah, 1999 Grenache. Great Value."

Los Angeles Times, July 18, 2001
"Tomorrow's Superstar Wines"

Laurie Daniel, San Jose Mercury News, June 27, 2001
"The Cedarville Vineyard Syrah is a benchmark wine for the area."

Appellation Magazine, August 2001
"Foothill wines worth seeking...Susan Marks, who along with her husband, Jonathan Lachs, has swiftly brought Cedarville Vineyard from obscurity to acclaim."

Honolulu Advertiser, Randal Caporoso, July 5, 2000
"The joy of gatherings like the Hospice du Rhone is that you often find unexpected pleasures from virtually unknown producers, such as this totally new, tiny family estate located in the Sierra Foothills of El Dorado County."