Winemaker Notes
The 2018 Hendry HRW Zinfandel is a medium purple-ruby color. Cedary spice, tea leaves, briar, dark berries and pepper on the nose. Light to-medium-bodied, with a bright, fruit-driven palate. On the palate, flavors of cocoa, blackberry jam and strawberry. Easy drinking, moderately structured.
Ideal for pastas, burgers, barbecue, chili or a meaty Bolognese lasagna. Good for everyday value for those who prefer fruity but not dry-not sweet-Zinfandels.
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.