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
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
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.
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