Winemaker Notes
Now in its 15th vintage, the unfiltered and unrefined Macauley Old Vine Zinfandel greets you with a bouquet of gorgeous, black fruit from plants that have learned the lessons of a century of summers. Beginning boldly, and then blowing off with notes of cherry chapstick, dried rose and rainy-day clay, the 2018 edition has an
intriguing palate and a well-crafted structure. A restrained regimen of 40% new Virginia oak sands down any edges with a handsome aroma of Christmas spice and forest essences.
Blend: 92% Zinfandel, 8% Petite Sirah
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.