The winery says:
Our 34-acre vineyard, which is located above Calistoga, is the warmest of our five vineyards and is the sole source of our Zinfandel. Its northeast exposure catches abundant morning sun but is shaded from the hot, late afternoon sun and combined with the vineyard’s gravelly loam soil, creates the perfect spot to grow this varietal. We farm all of our vineyards naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic.
The 2018 vintage was bountiful with cool, consistent temperatures and a timely rainfall for bud break in March and April. Harvest began on September tenth, and the grapes were of the highest quality with lower alcohol and high acidity.
This classic Zinfandel exhibits lush, fruit-forward aromas of cherry, raspberry and candied orange with savory undertones of sandalwood and sweet licorice. On the palate, notes of juicy blood orange, plum and ripe fig lead into vivacious tannins on the mid-palate with vibrant acidity. This Zinfandel’s balanced and elegant structure promises a long, graceful aging potential.
Grgich is of course best known for Chardonnay, as he made the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the famed Judgment of Paris tasting. But as Matt Kramer says, they make “probably the greatest ‘unknown’ reds in Napa.”
