2018 Black Sears Vineyard Zinfandel - T-Vine Winery

Stunningly plush and polished eruptions of black forest cherry, baked dark plum, chocolate covered strawberry, and spiced blackberry cobbler boom with impressive density and decadence within a display layered with clean herbal tones of pine needle, bramble, and eucalyptus. Notes of cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and brown sugar provide a generous dusting of warm baking spices that rise above deeply perfumed floral tones of violet oil, crushed lavender, and potpourri. Well integrated impressions of graham cracker, milk chocolate, and espresso reassert balanced opulence while hints of iron and volcanic minerality gorgeously reflect mountainous terroir. Terrifically concentrated, rich, and layered on the palate while coming across as thoroughly powerful yet not the slightest bit overwhelming; exhibiting a bold, velvety, and stylish presentation that remains simultaneously serious and seductive. Full bodied with moderate tannin backed by balanced acidity. This 2018 Black Sears Vineyard Zinfandel by T-Vine Winery is a captivating and deeply complex red from Howell Mountain.

Notable as the highest elevation vineyard on Napa Valley's Howell Mountain sitting at around 2400 feet from sea level, the Black Sears Vineyard is a rugged and isolated site that is capable of producing deep and brooding wines which can age for decades. This bottling, crafted by T-Vine Winery using Zinfandel sourced from the Black Sears Vineyard, is a perfect example of the density and depth that this scenic property can facilitate. This generously gushes with gobs of rich and powerful dark fruits that remain nicely balanced despite their concentration, and it backs them with complex herbal notes, gorgeous baking spices, aromatic floral tones, and rugged earthiness. Sadly this portion of the vineyard was torn out and replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon after the 2018 harvest, so this is the last vintage of this outstanding wine ever to be made.