Sky Mt. Veeder Zinfandel 2013
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Wong
Wilfred
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Winemaker Notes
2013 was a perfect growing season with warm days and fog-cooled nights, feeding the fruit with a nice dose of sunlight, while still allowing the vines to rest and recuperate through the night. The fruit that came into the winery was evenly-ripened, nicely balanced, and looked just gorgeous. The resultant 2013 wine is a classic Sky, reminiscent of some of our emblematic 80’s and 90’s vintages. It is an elegant example of Sky Zinfandel that is ideal for current consumption as well as aging. 814 cases produced.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2013 Sky Zinfandel is a firm and formidable wine. TASTING NOTES: This wine is generous and lengthy on the palate. Pair its rich aromas and flavors of blackberries, anise, and earth with a juicy grilled ribeye. (Tasted: September 26, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
Other Vintages
2014-
Wong
Wilfred
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
Centered at the peak for which it is named, Mount Veeder is Napa’s largest sub-AVA. But even though the entire appellation spreads over 16,000 acres, vineyards cover a mere 1,000. Scattered among Douglas firs and bristlecone pines, Mount Veeder vineyards extend south from the upper elevations of the Mayacamas Mountains—the highest point at 2,400 feet—to the border of the Carneros region. Less than 25 wineries produce wine from Mount Veeder fruit.
Winemaking began early in this appellation. In 1864, Captain Stelham Wing presented the first Mount Veeder wine to the Napa County Fair; it came from today’s Wing Canyon Vineyard. Prohibition, of course, halted winemaking and viticulture wasn’t revitalized until the founding of Mayacamas Vineyards in 1951 and Bernstein Vineyards in 1964.
The Bernstein Vineyards was actually home to the first Petit Verdot in California, planted in 1975. Today most of the Petit Verdot in Napa Valley originates from this vineyard.
Rocky volcanic clay and ancient seabed matter dominate Mount Veeder soils—perfect for Bordeaux varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot enjoy spectacular success. These varieties produce wines rich in brambly blackberry and black cherry fruit with herbal and floral aromatics. Structures are moderate to assertive and wines have great staying power.
Chardonnay from Mount Veeder is lush, full and balanced mineral and fresh citrus flavors.