Winemaker Notes
Mead Ranch is planted at about 1600 feet on Atlas Peak, on the south eastern side of Napa Valley. The vineyard was originally planted in the 1880s, though our block is primarily from the 1970s. This vineyard is head-trained, planted in red volcanic soil. On a clear day you can see San Francisco; though those are few and far between, and thus this vineyard sees plenty of fog from the bay. The wines are fragrant, with complex texture and great acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Zinfandel Mead Ranch opens with cracked pepper and tar with notions of charcuterie, apricots, potpourri and dried red and black berry fruits. medium to full-bodied, it's bright, juicy and open with appealing, spicy fruits and a long, uplifted finish.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
Just northeast of Napa city, Atlas Peak boasts some of Napa Valley’s highest elevation vineyards. Here the intense sunlight coupled with cool, nighttime temperatures produce grapes that are perfectly ripe, balanced and concentrated. The appellation is rich in volcanic soils and excels in the production of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.