Zinfandel 2013 Jack London Vyd, Kenwood

The label is iconic; author Jack London lived in Sonoma County and his ranch is now owned by the California Parks Department. But the lava-terraced Jack London Vineyard on the ranch is farmed by Kenwood Vineyards and has been for three decades. Located on Sonoma Mountain with a southeastern exposure, this vineyard is above the fog level and gets early morning sun followed by late afternoon breezes that temper the day's most extreme heat. The result of this exceptional terroir is grapes of great distinction that make wines with superb flavor and deep, rich color as you will see in this exceptional Zinfandel. The wolf head label tells you it's the Jack London Vineyard bottling from the outside, but inside, it's the  wine that tells you. From the historic 2013 vintage, 99% Zinfandel, 1% Syrah aged in 75% French and 25% American oak barrels for 19 months. Ripe fruit aromas of red currant and raspberries combine with aromatic spicy notes of vanilla and pepper. Rich, well-structured tannins provide an elegant mouthfeel and a long finish.