Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The terrific 2001 Zinfandel Tofanelli Vineyard (15.3% alcohol) reveals a superb nose of caramel, black fruits, spice, and licorice. With seamlessly integrated tannin and acidity, this full-bodied, concentrated 2001 has no hard edges, and cuts a generous, expansive feel on the palate without any heaviness or hotness.
-
Wine Spectator
A rich, plush, full-bodied style that packs in lots of complex flavors, built around ripe plum, blackberry, raspberry and peppery spice. Nicely oaked, too, though certainly not overdone, finishing with a long, ripe, supple finish that keeps revealing subtle flavor nuances. Drink now through 2010. 300 cases made.
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.