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
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This opulent wine opens with aromas of blackberry, black plum, violets and spice on the nose. Flavors on the palate of dark cherry, sarsaparilla and orange zest wrap around dried tobacco leaf, malt chocolate and toasted vanilla, with a long, supple finish.
91 Points, Wine Spectator
Deep, extra-ripe fruit flavors saturate this full-bodied wine, with blueberries, blackberries and dark plums on a juicy texture that slides easily down the hatch. The palate is full, structured and balanced. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice. It's pure indulgent enjoyment for sipping alone or pairing with stews and roasts.
91 Points, Wine Spectator
Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, followed by elements of chocolate, toffee, vanilla, black pepper, and coffee. Exceptionally smooth and velvety with good balance and silky tannins. Bright black cherry, blackberry and pomegranate with a lush texture filled with fruit, cocoa powder, clove, and a spicy finish. It's got it all with a velvety mouthfeel and long satisfying finish.
