 Harvested from a single, organically farmed vineyard in early October 2001, these unique Oakville grapes have developed a powerful structure. Here's what the critics had to say:
"I have always been a fan of the more elegant 'claret' style from the Napa Valley. The best examples of the genre have 'shoulders' of structure and firmer tannins than the more fruit driven style of the classic Sonoma Zin. The 2001 vintage seems to have been particularly kind to this kind of wine and none that I have tasted so far have been better than the 2001 Downing Family Zin. The hallmark of the vintage is balance and here is a wine that so epitomizes the silky, seemless texture only possible in the best confluence of vintage and winemaking. Another way to put it? The 2001 Downing is far superior even to their debut 1999, a major sensation here. Deeee-lishous!" - John Rittmaster, Walnut Creek restaurant/wine expert extraordinaire
"A nicely crafted, elegant effort, this 2001 Zinfandel prosesses good structure in addition to sweet cherry and currant fruit and a spicy, moderately endowed finish. If a noticeable spicy oak/vanilla character becomes better integrated, it may merit an even higher score. This medium to full-bodied, pure well-made Zinfandel will drink well for 3-4 years." - Robert M. Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate October 2003 (88 points)
"Quite ripe and rich in the nose, with hints of cherry, cedar and spice. On the palate it shows fined tuned cherry, strawberry, chocolate, tar, toast, vanilla, spice and herb flavors. The tannins are silky and the finish long." - Wine Enthusiast November 2003 (90 points)
|
