Limited Availability!– Only 30 Cases Remain of this Gem...
One of the most amazing things about California wine is that just when you think they can’t possibly find another world class growing region, someone comes along and shows that the next big thing may be just around the corner. Lake County may not have reached world class status yet, but with Napa wine prices in the stratosphere, and other AVAs not far behind, Lake County is quickly becoming the source for some of the most balanced, interesting, well-priced wines around. Today’s Heist features another small, family run affair, Jus Soli Winery. Jus Soli actually focuses on Sonoma County wines, but couldn’t resist the allure of the Madder Lake vineyard in Lake County.
The 2007 Jus Soli Madder Lake Zinfandel is medium purple in the glass. The nose shows purple fruit flavors of blackberry and boysenberry, along with spice and iron. The palette is loaded with mixed berry jam, plum, spicy toasted oak, and a distinctive slate or graphite character. The mineral component seems to be due to the soils and slightly cooler climate in Lake County, and is a refreshing change from warmer climate Zin that tends to be nothing but fruit and jam. Good acid, medium weight, and plenty of richness carry through on the finish, allowing this wine to pair gracefully with a variety of dishes. It would be perfect with grilled chicken, or with smoked salmon and creamy cheese. At a miniscule production of 350 cases, this is one to get while you can!
Vineyard: Madder Lake Vineyard
Appellation: Lake County
Varietal Blend: Zinfandel
Cases Produced: 350
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.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
