Estate Zinfandel, Château Montelena

Aromas of raspberry, cedar, dried fruit and the classic Zinfandel briar-berry with hints of pipe tobacco and dusty cocoa. Very juicy on the palate, ripe and sweet with good length. Shows good weight and velvety tannins throughout – very fleshy without being overbearing. Brimming with fresh fruit, the aromas are dominated by ripe raspberry and cranberry, leaning southern Italian in style at first. However, after a few minutes, the Zinfandel component becomes more prominent and robust as blackberry jam, hoisin, and savory herbs appear, lending some allure as well as familiarity. It’s the nexus of these disparate, yet harmonious red and dark fruit characteristics that’s emblematic of Montelena wines and our Calistoga vineyard. PALATE e elegance of 2018 comes through immediately on the palate. Laserfocused acidity and strawberry slowly merge with sweet baking spices, dried cherry and earth. e tannins are soft enough to balance the acidity without overwhelming the steady stream of candied fruit. Mediumbodied, the weight of the wine adds depth without the need for extended aging. FINISH As the fruit subsides, the brambly nature of Zinfandel comes to the forefront; first as mint and then as black pepper and tea. e tannins here are more chalky, almost chewy, and complement the subtle notes of smoke and pipe tobacco exceedingly well.