The 2013 Maroon Napa Valley Reserve Zinfandel is deep garnet in color, with a ruby core. The nose shows blackberry, blueberry, cassis, tree bark, dried violets, sweet spice, graphite and black pepper. Nice hints of vanilla and cedar come from the 25% New Hungarian oak barrels it aged in for 20 months. Blackberry jam, plum jam, smoky blueberry, roasted fig, dried dark flowers, cigar box, spice and black pepper come through with spicy tones from the well integrated oak. The palate is medium to full bodied with a long vibrant finish.
Napa Valley
The Napa Valley AVA is located in Napa County, California, United States. Napa Valley is considered one of the foremost wine regions in the world. Wine grapes thrive here, due to the combination of geography, the Mediterranean climate and geology of the region, which are perfect for wine grape growing. The region was established as a wine-growing region with its first commercial vineyards planted in the 1850's.
Varietal Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Appellation: Napa Valley, Howell Mountain
Vintage: 2013
Aging: 25% New Hungarian oak barrels for 20 months
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 986 cases
95 Points
Seductive aromas of black fruits – blackberries, black currant, black cherry – accented by exotic wafts of cardamom and nutmeg. Still greater depth is achieved on the palate, with red berries, blackberries, and hints of blood orange and dried cranberries, bolstered by bright acidity. Vibrant tannins provide additional structure and
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
