Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Jerry Seps blends this to be the most approachable wine from his estate in the foothills of the Mayacamas. He pulls it off his northeast-facing hillsides, which consistently grow fragrant zinfandel that he shepherds toward a fresh and elegant style. His 2014 is cool, fat and juicy, a dynamic contrast of bright floral cherry notes and earthy savor. Decant it for roast eggplant stuffed with veal.
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.