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
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
