Trig Point Railyard Vineyard Zinfandel 2020
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This wine is dark purple-red in color. It has the classic nose of this area of ripe black cherry, plum, gravel and gun flint with beautiful oak spice. It is a deep wine with many layers with black fruits and an even weight throughout the palate. Full of round, silky tannins that do not overpower the minerality and long finish.
Blend: 95% Zinfandel, 5% Petite Syrah
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Wine Enthusiast
This full-bodied but silky textured wine boasts ultraripe blackberries, dried plums and hints of earth and dried sage, without feeling heavy. Light tannins and richness leave it tasting sweet on the finish.
Other Vintages
2014-
Wilfred
Wong
The wines Nick and Yolyn Goldschmidt produce are all single vineyard, handcrafted, small production, artisan wines.
The Trig Point Vineyard sits on a bench land site in the Alexander Valley facing southeast in beautiful bowl. This unique topography protects the vineyard from the wind. The early morning fog and deep gravelly loam soils are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. Nick has worked with this vineyard many years, as it was the predominate vineyard for the Simi Cabernet Reserve program from 1980 - 1997. Indeed, one of the great uncompromising vineyards of the Alexander Valley and certainly a "trig point" for growing classy Bordeaux varietals.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.