Nose
Our 2018 Zinfandel boasts intense aromas of red currant and raspberries with notes of
leather, spices, toffee, cedar and tobacco.
Palate
On the palate, black plum, juicy berries, cherry pie and baking spice are threaded with clove and anise. The finish is full of vanilla, chocolate, cloves and cedar. Firm tannins gives solid structure, with fresh acidity and a lingering fruit finish.
Growing Conditions
Zinfandel grows best in warmer climates, and sourcing grapes from these areas results in complex and concentrated fruit.
Harvest
Grapes for the Napa Cellars 2018 Zinfandel are hand-selected from vineyards in the
warmer areas of Napa Valley, including Yountville, Oak Knoll and Calistoga. Zinfandel grows best in warmer climates, and sourcing grapes from these areas results in complex and concentrated fruit. Zinfandel is not nearly as ubiquitous as Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, and makes up roughly 2% of total acreage.
Winemaking
The 2018 growing season offered superlative growing conditions with abundant rain at the beginning of the year. Plenty of sunshine and moderate temperatures throughout the
spring and summer led up to a harvest with great crop quality.
Aging
After a cold soak designed to extract color from the skins, the grapes were pressed
early to avoid extracting harsh tannins. Following a 12 to 18-day maceration period
and fermented with the délestage method, the lots were aged in 24% new French oak
barrels for 19 months. The use of new oak helps preserve the big Zinfandel flavors,
while still imparting warm, spicy characteristics to create an elegant and balanced wine.
Food Pairing
Winemaker Joe Shirley recommends pairing
this wine with chicken cacciatore or a well-seasoned steak topped with fresh basil.
