ZINFANDEL

2005 Beatty Ranch Zinfandel

Planted at the beginning of the twentieth century, the Beatty Ranch produces some of Napa Valley’s best Zinfandel. The 2005 vintage is darker and richer than recent vintages, and is medium deep ruby, with ripe berry and plum aromas supported by underpinnings of roasted chestnut and vanilla.  On the palate, the wine fills the mouth with intense fruit flavors which lead to complex tones of espresso, cocoa and exotic spices.  Excellent structure, typical of mountain fruit, and sustained concentration make for a long, pleasing finish. 895 cases produced.

2006 Black Sears Zinfandel

Black Sears Vineyard produces some of Napa Valley’sspiciest and most distinctive Zinfandels.  The 2006 is medium garnet red, with ripe blackberry and peppery aromas supported by a foundation of toasty oak, allspice and sandalwood.  In the mouth, the wine coats the palate with its silky texture and intense ripe cherry flavor, followed by intricate notes of dark roast coffee, chocolate, cedar and cinnamon.  Typical of mountain fruit, its firm structure and concentration lead to a long, satisfying finish. 640 cases produced.

2006 Bear & Lion Zinfandel

This year's wine, aged in barrels for 14 months, is a brilliant medium deep ruby.  On pouring, spicy plum, nutmeg and sweet herb aromas jump from the glass, with scents of vanilla, sandalwood and Asian fruits following as the wine opens.  The wine is alive with ripe dark fruit flavors, medium-full-bodied, and a fine, palate-coating silty texture (contributed in part by a small addition of Syrah) carries though to the finish.  Complex notes of chocolate and mint develop in the glass.  Drink now if you like, or wait for more development in the bottle.  2200 cases produced.

 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2003 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Our 2003 Howell Mountain Cabernet is a blend of fruit from the Beatty Ranch and the Black Sears Vineyard, among the oldest vineyards in the appellation. The Beatty Ranch is known for its rich, concentrated Cabernet fruit flavors, while the Black Sears brings exotic spice and richness to the blend. In the glass, the wine is a dark, warm ruby, with the fragrance of violet and vanilla. The nose quickly opens to aromas of ripe, spicy fruit and savory roasts. On the palate are juicy and penetrating flavors of baked cherries, cinnamon and toasted oakwood. Perfectly balanced, with moderate acidity, medium full body and pleasant grainy texture, this is a classic mountain Cabernet. 511 cases produced.