HIGH QPR ALERT:

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Mission Codename: Opus 2?

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Send Agent Red back to Vin de Manies and Opus One alum, Daniel Manies, to secure an allotment of his hand crafted, ultra-premium, Napa Valley Old Vine Zinfandel.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Chateau Manzanita Winery

Wine Subject: 2005 Vin De Manies Old Vine Zinfandel – Napa Valley

Winemaker: Daniel Manies

Backgrounder: Today’s remarkable Zinfandel comes to us from our friend and winemaker, Daniel Manies, whose work at the fabled Opus One helped to make that coveted brand the global powerhouse that it is.

The Napa Valley is revered worldwide as the ultimate area in which to produce fine Cabernet Sauvignon, but some of our favorite Zinfandels have also come from this region. We were very lucky to be able to return to our old friends at Chateau Manzanita for today’s remarkable wine – at today’s remarkable price. We suggest that you stock up during this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deepest ruby red hues, with glinting edges and a slightly darkening heart. The wine settles very quickly when swirled, leaving behind tall columns of skinny, wine-stained legs that move slowly down the glass.

Smell – A heady rush of black spiced black cherry candy, raspberry and blackberry leap from the glass. These are layered over lush aromas of blackberry bramble, cloves, dried fall leaves, tobacco, brown spice, leather and black pepper.

Feel – Soft and round at the very tip of the tongue. The wine starts out soft and cool, and then medium tannins take hold, introducing a soft dryness the spreads from the tip of the tongue the the edges of the palate. Very gradually, the entire palate becomes dry. Overall, the feel is plush and velvety.

Taste – Bold, deep and very flavorful. The wine leads with with black cherry brandy, raspberry, cherry, blackberry and plum. These are followed, closely, by earthen bramble, allspice, dark blueberry, subtle sweetwoods, dried violets and black pepper.

Finish – This wine has a very long and graduated finish. This is to say that it begins sweet and then goes softly spicy and then, finally, earthy and softly dry.

Conclusion – This is another remarkable offering from Opus alum, Daniel Manies. Our entire tasting panel was really taken by this delicious wine. With a depth of flavor and aromatics that only an old vine Zin can deliver, this wine is a delight to drink. Allow it to breathe for thirty minutes or more and be rewarded with flavors and aromas that are more natural than you will experience on opening. We love Daniel’s wines and at today’s price, we really encourage you to try his 2005 Vin De Manies Old Vine Napa Valley Zinfandel for yourself. Pair with a zesty rack of BBQ ribs or a delicious pot roast – or nearly anything else. This wine is built for easy and flexible food-pairing.

Mission Report:

With the 2012 harvest looming ever closer, we were unable to secure a full interview with Daniel De Manies. Please enjoy this abbreviated interview:

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

DANIEL: This is a big, delicious, spicy Zin. For a great food pairing, I like steak on the BBQ that has been marinated in Balsamic Vinegar. It also works well to have blackberries in the balsamic as that brings out the dense fruit of the wine.

RED: In your opinion, what makes the Napa Valley such a special place for Zinfandel?

DANIEL: We get the heat, hence the ripeness and intensity.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

DANIEL: I work at my own pace and like to let wines age for quite a while. I sample barrels and plan for the peak time of the aging process for each wine. Planning new wines now as well.

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!