There are very few, if any, places in California where terroir overrides the distinctive fruit profile of Zinfandel, and that includes the century-old Beatty Ranch vineyard on Howell Mountain. There seems always to be a characteristic cracked black peppercorn, crumbly volcanic rock vibe in the nose. (I first noticed this with the ‘78 & ‘79 Cakebread Zins from this property.) This has is. There is some dark blackberry Zin fruit, but it takes a back seat. Palate-wise, it’s very Bordeaux (or maybe more Brunello) in style, with deep but restrained fruit, tons of minerality, and lots of structure (chalky tannins and very good acidity). I love this. It’s aging well and should last and maybe improve for several years.
There are very few, if any, places in California where terroir overrides the distinctive fruit profile of Zinfandel, and that includes the century-old Beatty Ranch vineyard on Howell Mountain. There seems always to be a characteristic cracked black peppercorn, crumbly volcanic rock vibe in the nose. (I first noticed this with the ‘78 & ‘79 Cakebread Zins from this property.) This has is. There is some dark blackberry Zin fruit, but it takes a back seat. Palate-wise, it’s very Bordeaux (or maybe more Brunello) in style, with deep but restrained fruit, tons of minerality, and lots of structure (chalky tannins and very good acidity). I love this. It’s aging well and should last and maybe improve for several years.
May 4th, 2023
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
