Green & Red Chiles Mill Vineyard Zinfandel 2018

Description

Green & Red Chiles Mill Vineyard Zinfandel 2018

This expressive wine is crafted as a 100% Zinfandel, sourced entirely from the estate's Chiles Mill Vineyard, which is planted with heritage cuttings in the Chiles Valley AVA of Napa Valley. The 2018 vintage was characterized by a calm, consistent growing season that provided relief from the heat of previous years, allowing for optimal fruit development at the vineyard's high elevation of 900 to 1,200 feet. The site is defined by its unique soil composition of iron-rich red chert veined with green serpentine and Sobrante loam, which imparts a distinctive mineral structure to the grapes. Adhering to a philosophy that quality begins in the vineyard, the producer employs sustainable and practicing organic farming methods to nurture these vines. To enhance complexity without masking the fruit, the wine was aged for 14 months in a combination of 70% American and 30% French oak barrels, with 20% being new wood.

In the glass, the Zinfandel presents a deep, inviting ruby color with excellent clarity. The nose offers a complex bouquet of pomegranate, red raspberry, and dark cherry, intricately woven with secondary aromas of white pepper, bay laurel, and a subtle hint of clove. On the palate, this full-bodied and dry wine defies the heavy, jammy stereotype of the varietal, instead offering a "claret style" elegance with flavors of wild cherry, spiced cinnamon, and briar fruit. The texture is marked by fine, polished tannins and a refreshing, lacy acidity that leads to a clean, lingering finish. Highly regarded by critics, this vintage was awarded 93 points by Wine & Spirits and 92 points by Wine Spectator, underscoring its exceptional value and pedigree.

This Zinfandel is a versatile companion for robust American cuisine. It pairs beautifully with slow-smoked barbecue brisket, where the wine's vibrant acidity and spicy notes cut through the rich fat and smokiness of the meat. Alternatively, serve it alongside a grilled lamb burger topped with feta and caramelized onions; the wine's savory herbal notes of bay laurel will complement the gaminess of the lamb and the saltiness of the cheese perfectly.