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
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.
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