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Napa Valley Zinfandel
Lynne Char Bennett
Sunday, July 5, 2009
2006 August Briggs Old Vine Napa Valley Zinfandel
2007 Brown Estate Napa Valley Zinfandel
2006 Downing Family Vineyards Fly by Night Oakville Zinfa...
2006 Green & Red Vineyard Chiles Canyon Vineyards Napa Va... More...
Zinfandel can be grown in many climates, often from warmer regions that produce very ripe,
juicy, big wines. Napa Valley - with Zinfandel planted as a very minor player - has
mountain vineyards that receive plenty of sun but not as much heat.
Napa Valley winemakers who love this grape set the prices for their Zins according to the
Napa Valley reputation, which brings a premium.
Here are a few Napa Zinfandels that should appeal to folks who prefer a more moderate and
slightly restrained style.
2006 August Briggs Old Vine Napa Valley Zinfandel ($32).
Winemaker Joe Briggs, who co-owns the winery with his wife, Sally, first produced his own
label in 1995. Briggs has made wine for about 25 years, including Pinot Noir at La Crema.
This bottling has a lifted nose with aromas and flavors of red and black cherry and plum,
and bright acidity with almost Claret-like structure. A great food partner.
2007 Brown Estate Napa Valley Zinfandel ($36).
The Brown family has been a part of the Napa Valley for almost 30 years. Co-owner (with
his two sisters) and winemaker Dave Brown - who has been through almost 15 crushes -
sourced the fruit for this wine from the Chiles Valley district. Lovely Zin nose and
palate with spiced plum, cherry and chocolate hints; ripe and concentrated without being
heavy.
2006 Downing Family Vineyards Fly by Night Oakville Zinfandel ($29).
This darkly fruited wine from proprietors John and Tracy Downing and winemaker Randy Mason
is for fans of a slightly riper style. This vintage is the second from the certified
organic H&H vineyard. Clean and bright with plenty of ripe, but not jammy, fruit, and
notes of chocolate.
2006 Green & Red Vineyard Chiles Canyon Vineyards Napa Valley Zinfandel ($21).
Pam and Jay Heminway founded the winery in 1977, naming it for the vineyards' red
iron soil accented with green serpentine striations. This bottling - blended from the
three mountain vineyards overlooking Chiles Canyon - is a leaner, more restrained style
with savory notes underscoring the red plum and berry. Bright acid on the finish.
2006 The Terraces Napa Valley Zinfandel ($28).
From the Crull family's Quarry Vineyards in
Rutherford, which was originally planted to grapes in the late 1800s. Smoky notes, spice,
more reddish fruit and structure, with a lengthy finish. Plenty of oak from 18 months in
French and American barrels. Could use some time. Includes 8 percent Petite Sirah and 1.5
percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/05/FD1U18FMHR.DTL
This article appeared on page K - 5 of the San Francisco Chronicle
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