Maroon 2019 Reserve Zinfandel, Napa Valley

Paul Maroon started his small winery in Napa Valley with the purchase of a beautiful estate vineyard near Howell Mountain, located in the new Coombsville AVA. We first heard about them through the excellent Crauford Cabernets but he was already known for the quality of his Cabernet fruit and was selling it to Joseph Phelps for inclusion in their flagship Insignia wine.

The grapes for this wine come from old vines, which produce concentrated characteristics in the berries. The grapes were harvested by hand, destemmed and manually sorted. Fermentation lasted 10 days, with 2-3 punchdowns daily by hand. Prior to bottling, the wine was aged in 1/3 Hungarian oak and 2/3 neutral oak barrels for 24 months.

The aromas and flavors are robust with dark cherries and blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. The vibrant acid is balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long finish.

American Fine Wine Competition gave this 92 points as well as a Double Gold Medal!

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scored this 91 points saying, "Mixed berries are framed by cedar and vanilla, with some briary flourishes, while the medium to full-bodied palate boasts a supple, creamy texture yet remains bright and fresh on the finish, adding an appealing hint of cracked pepper."