Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A delicate style of zinfandel that shows red berries, tobacco and leather on the nose. Lean tannin structure and a medium body. Fresh and fruity finish. Plenty of good fruit. Drink now. Synthetic cork.
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine presents tremendous value, made from the producer’s own low-yielding, dry-farmed vineyards. Dusty black pepper, baking spice and leather give it a nice rusticity and character, with a touch of sandalwood and oak. Brambly blackberry rounds it out, supported by thick, firm tannins. Editors’ Choice.
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Wine Spectator
A structured and refined Zinfandel, with vibrant cherry, dried sage and pepper accents that build richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2024.
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.