Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
So enriched by sweet oak that its very deep, berry-like fruit takes a moment to catch up with its initial aromas of sweet cream, cappuccino, root beer and toast, this opulent Zin finds a niche all its own. It is wonderfully supple with a fine spine of tannin that firms without being overly obvious, and its layered flavors reflect all the complexity of its nose. A bit of last- minute heat and a little chalky astringency hold it back from even higher scores, but, given the winery's track record for making long-lived wines, it is fairly safe to assume that this one is still far from reaching its best.
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.