Winemaker Notes
Fresh rose petals, brambly blackberry, warm baking spices and hints of white pepper fill the nose and are complimented by a juicy, fruit-forward entry, creamy Tahitian vanilla, black cherry, blueberry preserves and a touch of sandalwood on the mid-palate. The acid is bright and present providing a freshness along with the richness and weight. The tannins are youthful, juicy and supple assuring that this Zinfandel is not only delicious upon release but has the structure to age gracefully for well over a decade.
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
Last of the reds, the 2016 Zinfandel Aida Estate doesn't disappoint. It has restrained, elegant Zinfandel notes of blackberries, black raspberries, leafy herbs, spice, and cedar. It's deep, perfectly balanced, and nuanced, and is a thrilling Zinfandel that readers should snatch up.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Zinfandel Aida Estate is a little youthfully reticent to begin, opening out to reveal bags of preserved black cherries, dried mulberries, prunes and chocolate mint suggestions with nuances of kirsch, spice box, underbrush and tilled soil plus a waft of rose hip tea. Full-bodied and boldly fruited in the mouth, it has a firm frame of plush tannins and fantastic freshness lifting the seductive spiced berry preserves layers to a long, earth-laced finish.
Rating: 94+
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.