92 Points, Double Gold - American Fine Wine Competition
91 Points - Robert Parker
Varietal
Zinfandel is a bold, fruit forward red that's loved for its jammy fruit and smoky, exotic spice notes, and has been touted as "America's grape," but it actually comes from Croatia and was likely brought to the USA in the early 1800's.
Chiles Valley, Napa Valley
The Chiles Valley is nestled in the Vaca Mountains above the northeast side of the Napa Valley. The appellation has a cooler climate than the main Napa Valley floor due to elevations of 600–1200 feet as well as a cooling breeze from the Pacific Ocean. Classic 'big red' Californian varieties like Zinfandel, have proved very successful at this location.
Winemaking
The grapes for this wine come from old vines, which produce concentrated characteristics in the berries. The grapes were harvested by hand, destemmed and manually sorted. Fermentation lasted 10 days, with 2-3 punchdowns daily by hand. Prior to bottling, the wine was aged in 1/3 Hungarian oak and 2/3 neutral oak barrels for 24 months.
Varietal Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Appellation: Chiles Valley, Napa Valley
Aging: 1/3 New Hungarian oak barrels, 2/3 neutral oak, 24 months
Harvest Date: October 4, 2019
Release Date: April 2023
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 293 cases
91 Points, Wine Spectator
This is a big wine with luxurious texture. Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Loaded with old-vine character in every sip. Combining 42% Carignane, 38% Mourvèdre and 20% Zinfandel, from vines over 130 years in age. Dark red in color with black cherry, cassis, pomegranate, plum, cocoa, and highlights of cranberry, black pepper, tar and earth. Velvety mouthfeel, great structure with black cherry, pomegranate, chocolate, tar and peppery spice. Satisfies the palate with a long spicy fruit driven finish.
