Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The debut release from a new terroir, the 2000 Zinfandel Mead Ranch Atlas Peak exhibits an intriguing higher altitude note of jammy raspberries intermixed with floral scents. As the wine sits in the glass, interesting Amarone-like characteristics jump out. This full-bodied, earthy, chewy, and rich wine is a superb effort from an organically farmed vineyard planted in red volcanic soil. The alcohol is a whopping 15.7%, and there are 500 cases of this blockbuster Zinfandel. Consume it over the next 6-7 years.
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.