Zinfandel Advocates & Producers
2011 ZAP Heritage Vineyard California Zinfandel
Zinfandel •Heritage Vineyard
California
Mission Briefing
Storied
Sell Out Alert: Agent Red secured every last case of today’s wine, but it will sell out, so please get yours soon.
Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) is an association that is dedicated to, you guessed it, Zinfandel. For the last 16 years, they’ve shepherded the production of a very special wine, the Heritage Vineyard Zinfandel. The first Heritage Zin was made by our good friend, 100 point winemaker, Nils Venge. In the intervening years, Heritage has been made by some of the most prolific Zinfandel winemakers in the world. Robert Biale of Robert Biale Vineyards, Joel Peterson of Ravenswood, Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards, Kent Rosenblum of Rosenblum Cellars, Dr. J. Bernard Seps of Storybook Mountain Vineyards - and many others have made a Heritage Zinfandel.
Today’s 2011 Vintage Heritage was made by Scott Harvey, one of our longest-running winemakers on The Wine Spies. Scott’s experience with Zinfandel runs deep. His Amador County Zins, including his incredible 1869 (which is made from 144 year old vines), are the stuff of legend with our Operatives.
Today’s wine is an easy-drinking treat that is a fantastic food companion. The wine has great structure and wonderful overall balance. On the nose, you’ll find yourself taking long inhalations before you ever take your first sip.
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Dark garnet, only slightly translucent, with just a touch of a slightly hazy red at the rim. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Beautifully aromatic, with a lovely blend of red and dark fruit highlighted by raspberry, blackberry, and sweet plum. Other notes of cherry cola, sweet tobacco leaf, espresso bean, clove, and a touch of black peppercorn follow on. |
| Taste: | Concentrated and robust fruit notes of black cherry, raspberry, and black currant well balanced by flavors of saddle leather, dark chocolate covered espresso bean, cola, anise, nutmeg, black pepper, and just a hint of fresh cedarwood shavings. |
| Finish: | A beautifully well-rounded, delicious wine, with a long and structured finish highlighted by deep fruit flavors and a wonderful acidity. |
| Pairing: | Rosemary and garlic roasted lamb shanks, served with a red wine reduction sauce drizzled overtop. |
What the Winery Says
- Winemaker
- Scott Harvey
- Appellation
- California
- Cooperage
- 18 months in French oak
- ABV
- 14.5%