Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
At 15.9% alcohol, one wouldn’t expect a Zinfandel with a Pinot Noir character to it, but the 2006 Zinfandel Rattlesnake Ridge from the cool upper elevations of Howell Mountain displays a lighter style, medium body, a fragrant, up-front, almost Pinot Noir-like delicacy, but some real strength in the background. This is not one of the bigger Zinfandels despite the high alcohol, and in fact it seems to be finesse-styled. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. 89-91 Points
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.