Winemaker Notes
This special barrel selection is presented to showcase just how elegant, fragrant and balanced Napa hillside Zinfandels can be. The selection criteria emphasizes aroma, middle-palate and finish – berries with hints of flowers, minerals and spice in the aroma; multi-layered and rich flavor on the broad and supple middle palate; and an intense, clean and lingering impression on the finish.
Professional Ratings
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Jerry Seps in a real Zin master, and the 2015 Storybook Mountain Vineyards Eastern Exposures Zinfandel is an outstanding example of his quality work. TASTING NOTES: This wine is powerful, yet balanced and lovely on the palate. Its elegant and alluring aromas and flavors of blackberries, black pepper, and spice should pair well with slowly-braised meats. (Tasted: August 19, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
-
Wine & Spirits
Jerry Seps grows fragrant zin on the steep, east-facing hillsides of his vineyard north of Calistoga. This vintage is full and soft in its tannins while the fruit lasts, with flavors of crunchy cherries and gentle notes of raspberry fruit leather. The structure and length seem to emanate from the wine’s freshness rather than from its extract. Cellar it until you find yourself grilling lamb chops, then give it some time in a decanter to open up.
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.