Napa Highlands Zinfandel was made by building close relationships with grape growers in Napa Valley, and by selecting precious Zinfandel vines planted in the Calistoga and Diamond Mountain AVAs in the warmer northern areas of Napa Valley to create a wine that is unique to Napa Valley. This wine has a jammy flavor typical of Zinfandel, but also has powerful tannins and a well-balanced overall flavor.
What are the elements required for a Napa Valley-style Zinfandel?
The main Zinfandel producing areas in California are Sonoma and Lodi. In the past, many Zinfandel vines were planted in Napa Valley, but now most have been replanted with Cabernet Sauvignon, and the area of vineyards has decreased. What is desired from this precious Napa Valley Zinfandel? It is dense and powerful, full of black fruits, and has hints of spices such as clove and pepper.
Napa Highlands Zinfandel was made by building close relationships with grape growers in Napa Valley, and by selecting precious Zinfandel vines planted in the Calistoga and Diamond Mountain AVAs in the warmer northern areas of Napa Valley to create a wine that is unique to Napa Valley. This wine has a jammy flavor typical of Zinfandel, but also has powerful tannins and a well-balanced overall flavor.
Vintage Information
In September 2022, temperatures exceeded 35°C for five days, but then rain fell and we had to wait for the harvest. In 2022, we were able to achieve a balance of acidity, freshness, and ripeness by blending grapes harvested before the heat wave and rain with grapes that were left to ripen after the rain had completely stopped.
Technical information
Fermentation: Ferment in a submerged cap fermentation tank for 10 days. Ridge Vineyards first used this method, which involves pressing the cap down with a net from above the fermentation tank to keep it from floating up. This method was used in France for a long time, but is not used much these days. Ridge still uses this method for some of its Zinfandel vineyards. It can fully promote extraction.
Aging: 22 months in 3-year-old barrels
Tasting Comments
Fresh aromas of crushed pepper and wild strawberries waft from the glass. Juicy plum, black cherry, and baking spices (pepper, nutmeg, etc.) are wrapped around the whole with firm tannins, creating a supple mouthfeel and a well-balanced finish. The bold red berry flavor continues through to the finish, making you want to drink sip after sip. This is an ideal food wine.
Field Information
The vineyards are mainly in Calistoga and around Diamond Mountain. With ample sunlight and soil that is rich in clay, the fruit ripens perfectly.
Vintage: 2022
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: 100% Zinfandel
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Vineyards: Mainly from Calistoga and Diamond Mountain vineyards
Vinification: Fermented in submerged cap fermentation tanks for 10 days
Aging: 22 months in 3-year-old barrels
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.5%
JAN: 086754604367