Winemaker Notes

This Zinfandel has a very deep garnet-purple hue, with an expressive berry aroma, a subtle spiciness, jam and a broad, fresh vinious character. The range of flavors expressed includes raspberry, blackberry, black cherry and plum, harmoniously combined with the varietal characteristic of cracked black pepper. It has a full, lush entry on the palate, very open and expressive flavors and a rich and rounded texture. The wine envelopes the senses with flavor and texture—balanced acidity, a broad mouthfeel with supple tannin and a clean, yet lingering finish.
Ballentine Winery

Ballentine Winery

View all products
Image for  content section
View all products
Image for Napa Valley Red Wine content section
View all products

Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

WWH32L4281_1998 Item# 55932