Rombauer 2017 Zinfandel, California

This wine blends lots from select vineyards in top growing regions: El Dorado (60%), Sierra Foothills (23%), Lake (14%) and Napa (3%) counties. The grapes were carefully destemmed and optically sorted to ensure only perfect fruit made it into the wine. A cold soak extracted color and flavor before primary fermentation began in tank. The wine was gently basket-pressed, then racked to oak barrels to finish primary fermentation, malolactic fermentation and aging.

Tasting Panel scored this 90 points saying "To craft this rich and spicy red, fruit was sourced mainly from El Dorado as well as additional vineyards in Sierra Foothills, Lake, and Napa counties (5% Petite Sirah was also blended in). With an ABV of 15.9%, it was aged for 16 months in American and French oak; the body weight is apparent, with big and jammy blackberry notes joining sweet tobacco and brandied cherry. A dot of white pepper adds an accent toward the finish."