BIG – Yes, this is a big wine, you know, big as in like “The Caboose”
Starry Night Winery began with a group of friends making wine in a basement for their own enjoyment, but has slowly grown into a medium sized winery focused on producing small lots of wine from vineyards all over the North Coast. This model allows them to seek out truly distinctive vineyards resulting in unique wines that show the diversity of Northern California’s wine regions. We are delighted to offer another Zinfandel from Starry Night. For those that purchased the 2006 Russian River Zinfandel last year, this one that shows how different Zinfandel can be depending on the climate in which it grows. Today’s wine is from the warmer 2007 vintage, and from Alexander Valley, which is warmer in general than the Russian River Valley. Both of these factors contribute to a wine that is richer and fuller, with exuberant fruit flavors.
The 2007 Starry Night “Caboose” Zinfandel, named for the actual caboose that sits in this hillside vineyard in the Alexander Valley appellation shows all the characteristics of a ripe, heady California Zin. Medium garnet in color, aromas of cherry, cassis, vanilla, blueberry and toffee leap from the glass. The palate is loaded with black pepper, cherry, blackberry, tobacco and cedar. This is an interesting wine because it is both ripe and lush, yet also rustic, with prominent tannins and a certain Old World charm about it. Just enough acidity serves to keep the relatively high alcohol in balance, resulting in a warm but pleasing finish. This wine would pair beautifully with difficult to pair dishes that are somewhere in between rich and light, like grilled chicken with barbecue sauce, or turkey smoked in a slow cooker. A perfect wine to have around during the summer when outdoor cooking makes wine pairing a challenge!
Composition: 100% Alexander Valley Zinfandel
Cooperage: Combination of American and French oak barrels
Harvest Date: September 3, 2007
Sugar at Harvest: 27.7º brix
pH: 3.85
TA: .504 g/100ml
Alcohol: 16.3%
Production: 210 cases
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.
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.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
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.
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