2019 Brandlin Zinfandel

As my mother used to say when I would take her up to Brandlin Vineyard, high in the hills of Mount Veeder,“ this is as close to heaven as I am going to get.” It’s a magnificent and magical setting that ultimately finds its way into the wine. There are many well-made technically sound wines out in the marketplace, but few can capture the soul and personality offered by Brandlin. Since 1991 I have worked with this vineyard, and each vintage I can feel the energy and excitement because I know these are grapes that will never disappoint!

 In the early 1920s, Henry Brandlin and sons Richard and Chester began planting vines on an eastern exposure hillside 1200 feet above the Napa Valley floor. They adhered to the regimen of “filed blend”—a mix of different varieties. Today these are probably the oldest vines on Mount Veeder, and they continue to produce intensely flavored grapes, growing for all these years without any irrigation other than the winter and spring rains. The vines are head-trained, independent of any trellis, and do not require much manipulation.

As drought conditions continue in 2022, it’s hard to believe that 2019 began with ample winter rainfall resulting in happy vines!  Spring conditions allowed excellent fruit set producing an abundant crop. Summer saw few extremes with moderate temperatures throughout the growing season. Without extreme weather we were able to harvest at our leisure when grapes were precisely ripe. Another spectacular vintage.  

I like to ferment our Zinfandels at temperatures slightly lower than those for Bordeaux reds to accentuate the zesty and forward fruit character of the variety. Aging exclusively in Burgundian French oak barrels adds complexity as well as refinement to the wine.

Our 2019 is medium ruby in color, with a vibrant and enticing nose of raspberry, white pepper, allspice, and a touch of vanilla. In some ways, reminiscent of a fine Pinot Noir! An initially juicy black cherry impression gets reined by supporting tannins that curiously soon disappear into the background. Wonderfully palatable and pleasurable, this is what Zinfandel is all about.

Here’s another testament to the wonderful 2019 vintage!