Double Gold - Tasters Guild International Consumer Judging, 2011
As we approach our two year anniversary at WineHeist, one of the things that pleases us the most is the relationships we have built up with certain wineries that consistently over-deliver on quality for the price. A great example of such a winery is our friends at R&B Cellars, which is producing some of the finest reasonably priced full-bodied red wines in the state. Today’s offering is another great example; the 2008 Zydeco Zinfandel, sourced from prime Napa real estate and aged in 100% new French oak at the staggering price of $22.40.
Medium ruby in color, the 2008 R&B Cellars Zydeco Napa Valley Zinfandel offers classic Zin aromas of cherry, blackberry, and strawberry jam. The palate shows juicy, almost candied fruit flavors, with hints of spice and vanilla. Medium bodied, with a rich, syrupy finish, this is perfect grilling wine, screaming out for red meat. This an unapologetically brash wine, with massive extraction and 100% new oak, and is certain to please fans of good old-fashioned tooth-staining California Zinfandel!
Vineyards
Bingham Ranch is one of the oldest vineyards in the Napa Valley. It has been in the same family since the mid 1800's, homesteading times, and was planted with vineyards in the 1950's. The zinfandel was planted in the 1980's, and is on the northern edge of the ranch. It is a small berry clone that benefits from extended hang time for optimal ripeness.
The Wine
Harvested in late October, the zinfandel from Bingham ranch was perfect. Fruit was hand sorted, and then crushed and de-stemmed into three-quarter ton macro bins. A three-day cold soak was done before fermentation. Hand punched down twice a day during fermentation and then gently pressed off and put into 100% French oak barrels. The wine was racked four times while aging in barrels, and then lightly filtered for bottling.
Winemaker's Comments
Typical of a Napa zinfandel, the Bingham Ranch zinfandel is dark, rich, and intense. Blackberries and dark black cherries are the predominant fruits in this rich, extracted wine. The French oak is the perfect compliment to the fruit, adding hints of chocolate and toasty vanilla tones in the finish. The wine starts with an initial explosion of black fruit, and then opens layer upon layer of rich fruit and spice, to a long and mouth filling finish.
Vineyards: Bingham Ranch, Napa Valley
Composition: 95% Zinfandel, 5% Petite Sirah
Harvested: October 2008
Bottled: August 2010
Released: Late Fall 2010
Production: 325 Cases
Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 8 coopers – Jarnac, Rousseau, St., Martin, Boutes, Vicard, Seguin, Moreau, Treuil, Radoux, 100% new
All Wines
Violet black in color with aromas of rich fruity dark berries, honeycomb, vanilla, and hints of forest floor join together with bold flavors of black cherry, and spiced nut. Balanced oak, layered palette, leaving you with a enjoyable persistent finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
Rich & Tropical...
Notes of tropical and ripe stone fruits, with aromas of fig, golden apple and hints of butterscotch, integrated with the richer aromas of light caramel, truffle and toasted vanilla from the oak aging. The palate and texture is rich, full-bodied and creamy, while maintaining a balanced vibrancy and finish.
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