91 Points - 2012 California State Fair Wine Competition
Nervo Station Vineyard, located on a hillside in the we stern part of Alexander Valley, has two blocks of Zinfandel planted in 1896 and one block planted in 1934. As is typical of older Zinfandel Vineyards, there are numerous other varietals inter-planted in the vineyard including Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mataro among others. Farmed by the Nervo family for three generations, these head pruned vines produce a very limited crop that results in concentrated and complex flavors and aromas of ripe plum, blackberry and cassis, with hints of anise, exotic spices and white pepper.
Vintage: 2009
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: 3.65
TA: .57 g/100ml
Alcohol: 15.6%
Production: 430 cases
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
94 Points
A full-throttle, blackberry-driven red, laden with chalky minerality and layered with robust tannins. Violet scents mingle with fig and plum fruit in a medium- to full-bodied expression that hits all the right chords, delivering a pleasing one-two punch to the senses.
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