Napa Wine Trust

Vineyards:  Brandlin Vineyard   100% Mount Veeder   

Composition: 92% Zinfandel       8% Charbono, Mourvèdre, Carignane                                                                    
Oak aging:    17 months       100% French Oak           35% new “Burgundian Coopers”   

Production:     1212 cases      750ml

As my mother used to say when I would take her up to Brandlin Vineyard, high in the hills of Mount Veeder,“ this is as close to heaven as I am going to get.” Rest assured, she is definitely where she is supposed to be, probably hanging out with Chester Brandlin—who passed away a couple of years ago--having a glass of wine or two. The vineyard is magical, and the beauty and energy you experience when you walk the vineyard ultimately finds its way into the wine. 
In the early 1920s, Henry Brandlin and sons Richard and Chester began planting vines on an eastern exposure hillside 1200 feet above the Napa Valley floor. Today these are probably the oldest vines on Mount Veeder, and they continue to produce intensely flavored grapes, growing for all these years without any irrigation other than the winter and spring rains. The vines are head-trained, independent of any trellis to support them.  
After the marvelous 2012 vintage, we were rewarded again in 2013, with a nearly perfect growing season, and a long ripening period as well. I refer to it a “leisurely” harvest, not forced to pick for fear of rain or extreme heat. When the winemaker is relaxed, so is the wine! 
We ferment our Zinfandels at temperatures slightly lower than those for Bordeaux reds to accentuate the zesty and forward fruit character of the variety. Aging exclusively in Burgundian French oak barrels adds complexity as well as refinement to the wine.  
The 2013 Brandlin is dark ruby—great color for Zin. A bit “punchier” than its predecessor, it displays dark aromas of raspberry/blackberry, clove, cardamom, and bergamot. Rich flavors are held in check with appropriate acidity and tannin, and the slightest hint of sweetness rounds out the mouth leading to an enduring and seamless finish. There is a character unique to the vineyard that sets itself apart from all others. I have worked with these grapes since 1991, and there is an elusive quality that always intrigues. 
As I write these notes, we are on the verge of the 2015 harvest. We are excited and grateful to announce that this will be our 25th vintage from this magnificent and legendary vineyard.