Zinfandel
2012 will be a new high-water mark for Napa and California
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Every once in awhile a vintage and varietal line up and something SPECTACULAR happens; this is one of those times. If you like wine at all then you’ll want to be the first in line to get your hands on some of these stunning 2012 Zinfandels out of Napa and Sonoma County. Learn more about Zinfandel… Get these blockbuster Zins out of our cellar and onto your table or into your collection TODAY. |
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Wine Spectrum Rated 94: Our Napa Valley Zinfandel historically has borne the responsibility of being the ultimate representative of our four zinfandel blocks – the best of the best of our Brown Estate terroir integrated into one stellar wine. As such, it is the most challenging zin we produce because it requires commingling of four distinct “personalities” into one well-adjusted protagonist. The fact that no single vineyard’s qualities dominate here is a testament to the integration, fluidity, and perpetual motion – the balancing act! – that is Brown Estate itself. Deeper, darker and richer than previous vintages, this 2012 bottling is marked by ripe Bing cherry and big briery black fruit characteristics. Exotic spice and subtle citrus integrate with vibrant acidity to balance out this wine’s lush and rich juiciness. Excellent palate weight with a silky, long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2022. $45/bottle |
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2012 will be a new high-water mark for Napa and California – Wine Spectator Nov 14 2012 |
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Wine Spectrum Rated 94: This Zin is the epitome of what fanatics of this Californian varietal will enjoy. It is a complete representation of the the grape and I couldn’t be prouder of how this shining star of 2012 has evolved during it’s time in oak. An absolute beauty, this wine begins with incredibly brooding fruit. The concentration in the nose is profound. Notes of deep plum, black fruits, bright black berry, raspberry, overripe cherry and hint of pepper spice fills every corner of the nose. The palate is yet again brooding but balanced and definitely not for the weak minded. Beginning with a flush effect of palate intrusion and flavor the mouth begins expansive and very, very round. I’m proud of this wine for the incredible command presence it possesses. Plush plum, blackberry, lush kirsch and hints of espresso spice fill around the tongue as this Zin finds it’s way to the back. The acidity is polished and the tannins enter from behind the opening act to support the transition of mid to back palate.  Gentle handling of this wine allowed for fruit and flavor retention that is so incredibly generous. This is as close to a perfect Zinfandel I think I have ever made.  ~ Kirk Venge, Winemaker. $39/bottle |
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(California) The largest wine-producing state in the country does everything well, and one wine better than anywhere in the world: Zinfandel. – Wall Street Journal Nov 22 2013 |
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Wine Spectrum Rated 93+: Nils Venge has been making Zinfandel since 1992. The majority of each vintage has come from Zinfandel grapes grown on the floor of the Napa Valley near St. Helena, California. In 1994, an additional small lot of grapes came from the Monte Rosso vineyard in Sonoma which is owned by the Martini Family. Nils always blends a little Cabernet Sauvignon into each vintage to add depth. Our Zinfandel is always treated to 100% brand new American oak and is no exception to the rule of “meal-in-a-glass” Zinfandels. The Saddleback Zinfandel has gained quite a reputation as a “monster Zin” and is in great demand. This wine has a track record of selling out within 30-45 days of release. $38/bottle |
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“Classic” and “perfect” are just two accolades being bestowed upon the 2012 Napa Valley growing season and harvest. – Napa Valley Vintners |
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Wine Spectrum Rated 94: Undoubtedly, what we love best about this wine (and about all of our Russian River Valley Zinfandels) is the superb levels of natural acidity. Zinfandel is almost always a ripe wine, and if it is flabby, this ripeness quickly gets out of hand. But with the great acidity provided by the cooler Russian River growing area, and the complexity originating from these old vines, we believe that our Russian River Valley Zinfandel combines the best of rich, forward fruit, with lively acidity, giving the wine both lift and balance. It also pops the aromatics of the wine, with vibrant aromas of raspberry and blueberries, and flavors of black cherries, sage, and even hints of spice and pepper. While we feel confident this wine will age well, we prefer drinking it sooner for its youthful expression of fruit and exuberance. About 300 cases produced. $29/bottle |
