Winemaker Notes
-Wine Enthusiast
Antique Vines Zinfandel is a blend of two "Antique Vine" vineyards–one on Atlas Peak in Napa Valley, the other in Amador County located in the Sierra Foothills.
The term "antique" is characterized by excellence, appeal and importance. For us the name "Antique Vines" reflects our elevated esteem and reverence for old vineyards. The name demonstrates the endurance and quality of fruit the vines produce.
This Zinfandel opens with aromas of mature fruit and sandalwood which lead to ripe berry flavors sweetened with creamy vanilla nuances. This wine is big, rich, dense, and nicely balanced.
Professional Ratings
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.