2009 Grgich Hills Zinfandel

Description

Winemaker Notes:
Grgich Hills keeps the flame for a more classically styled Zinfandel from Napa Valley. It could not be further from a jammy fruit bomb, but rather has a firm structure and a surprising emphasis on savor rather than sweet fruit. The wine has good acidity which is food-friendly, and (if desired) enables medium-term cellaring to further realize the earthy and savory tones. Although the wine is blended with 2% Petite Syrah, the fruit stays in the honestly red-fruited spectrum in the true and varietally correct character of Zinfandel. Hints of anise, white pepper, and sage complete the profile and add versatility at the table. Grgich cultivates the grapes for this stately Zinfandel on their certified-organic and biodynamic estate vineyard in Calistoga. The wine was aged for 15 months in large French oak casks before bottling.

92   Wine & Spirits
“From Grgich Hills’ vineyard in Calistoga, a northeast-facing hillside near Petrified Forest Road. This has zin’s sour plum scent along with tannins that feel polished, supple, sophisticated and cool. They build richness rather than fullness into the wine, their depths sparkling with mineral glints of light. This is a classical Napa Valley zin to pour with most anything meaty off the grill.” (2/2013)