92 points - Snooth
What better way to celebrate ZAP week than with a classic, Old Vine Alexander Valley Zinfandel? For those not familiar, ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates & Producers) hosts a tasting weekend each year celebrating California’s heritage grape, Zinfandel. Zinfandel was at one time thought to exist only in California, and although subsequent testing revealed that it is identical to Italy’s Primitivo grape, and probably originated even further East in Europe, that hasn’t stemmed the enthusiasm for this grape that has called California home for well over 100 years. In fact, today’s Heist, from WineHeist favorite Starry Night comes from Nervo Station Vineyard, boasting vines planted in 1896 and 1934. As was common at that time, the Zinfandel vines are interspersed with other varieties, like Carignane and Petite Sirah, adding extra nuance and complexity.
The 2007 Starry Night Nervo Station Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel is deep garnet in color, with a perfumed nose of blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, and spice. The palate is typical of Old Vine Zin, packed with candied cherry and berry flavors, along with floral and anise notes. One of the great mysteries of wine is that hundred-year-old vines such as these can produce such wonderfully bright, fresh flavors, and yet year after year the results are the same. The concentration of flavor is less of a mystery, as these old vines are naturally so low yielding that the fruit is incredibly concentrated. Good acid and a relatively low alcohol level (for Zinfandel), along with medium body make this a perfect Zin for pairing with food. Try it with pasta with tomato sauce, or smoky grilled chicken. At just $24, this is a remarkable chance to taste a piece of history, and celebrate the grape that started California down the path of premium wine!
Vintage: 2007
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vineyard: Nervo Station Vineyard
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Cooperage: Barrel Aged over 18 months - 45% new American barrels, 25% new French barrels 30% select one to three year old American and French barrels
Brix: 26.4º
pH: 3.61
TA: .62 g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.4%
Production: 420 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
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.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious 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.
94 Points
Rich and generous, with a deep purple hue. Aromas of crushed violets, ripe berries, blueberry pop-tarts, black currant, licorice, chocolate-coated espresso beans, allspice, and cedar box. Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture.
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.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
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