Winemaker Notes
The 2006 vintage was a cool, long growing season, which allowed the Zinfandel clusters to ripen evenly, permitting ideal harvesting conditions. Joel Gott's Zinfandel vineyards are in the top growing regions in California: Napa, Sonoma, Lodi and Amador. This wine reflects the soil and environment of each distinct location. The vineyards in Lodi and Amador are old head-trained vines, which are dry-farmed and produce deeply concentrated fruit. This fruit combined with the depth of Napa Valley fruit and the spiciness from cool Sonoma County, creates a blend that truly shows California Zinfandel at its finest.
Dark ruby red color with supple, mouth filling tannins that offer lively acid structure and an elegant balance. Classic currant, plum and sweet oak aromas lead to ripe berries, cherry, and spicy flavors with a long, sweet and juicy finish.
"Even better is the brilliant 2006 Zinfandel, which boasts fabulous ripeness along with a full-bodied, tarry, briery nose revealing plenty of pepper, spice, black cherries, and berry fruit. This full-bodied, dense, bargain-priced Zin includes 5% Alicante Bouchet in the blend.
Joel Gott, the brilliant restaurateur (think of Taylor's Refresher in St. Helena as well as San Francisco ... America's best hamburgers and Ahi burgers), also produces wines under the capable guidance of his talented winemaker/wife, Sarah."
-Wine Advocate
Professional Ratings
Joel Gott, founder of Joel Gott Wines, is a fourth-generation California vintner, entrepreneur, lover of great food and an athlete. Born into a family of California vintners – his grandfather ran Inglenook Winery in the 60’s, and his father founded Montevina Winery in the 70’s – Joel grew up in the vineyards and learned to drive a tractor before he could legally drive a car.
Joel’s first venture in the wine business was the Palisades Market, a boutique grocery store and wine shop in Calistoga that he and his brother purchased in 1993. There, he learned the art of running a business, creating food and selling wine. In particular, he recognized a growing need for quality wines in the under $20 category.
Since Joel Gott Wines was established in 1996, they have selected the best fruit from growing regions in California, Oregon and Washington which they blend to create more balanced, clean, complex and elegant wines. They are geared towards continuing to give customers expressive and food-friendly wines at great prices.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!