Gorman Zachary's Ladder Red 08

Exotic and expansive, Big nose of earth, lavender, herbs. Flavors of ripe black plum, cassis, black cherry, smoke and grilled meat in the finish. 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot. - Avalon

2007 Wine Spectator - 90 points - Open-textured, with ripe currant, blackberry and herb aromas and flavors that play against polished tannins as the flavors expand on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2015. 450 cases made. - H.S.

2007 Wine Advocate - 89 points -Gorman’s red wines begin with the 2007 Zachary’s Ladder, a blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 25% Mourvedre, with the balance Syrah and Petit Verdot and aged in 45% new French oak. Medium purple in color, it exhibits an aromatic array of Asian spices, violets, herbs, underbrush, cassis, and plum. Structured on the palate with good depth and balance, this savory offering will evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2017. "

...gorgeous 2004. Thick, smoky and exotic, it's a big and creamy wine with plenty of acid, plenty of spicy red fruit, and the friendly mocha flavors of new oak. Vineyard sources include Boushey, Alder Creek and Wahluke Slope. - Paul Gregutt, Seattle Times

"Chris Gorman, who has been working closely with Mark McNeilly of Mark Ryan Winery during Gorman's first few vintages, has clearly moved into new territory, expanding on what began as an excellent rendition of the Mark Ryan style."

"The newest Gorman releases are a big step forward, and Gorman's self-proclaimed goal - "the pursuit of texture" - has largely been realized."

These are lavishly endowed wines; big, but never awkward or unbalanced. They are somewhat reminiscent of Leonetti in that winery's formative years; wines so flat-out delicious you stopped analyzing them and just reached for the bottle to pour yourself another glass." - Paul Gregutt, Seattle Times