93 Points Wine Spectator
“Old-school briar notes meet elegant complexity in this red, which offers raspberry and cherry flavors that are accented by smoky sage and white pepper flavors that build tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2029.” – Tim Fish
The Nalle winemaking style follows traditional vigneron techniques: low yields in the vineyard, hand picking and sorting, gentler macerations and small fermentations. Aged exclusively in French oak (Alain Fouquet, Demptos, Francois Freres) 25% new, for 11 months. On the Zin spectrum (from Rosè all the way to port), Nalle is balanced somewhere in the middle. We focus on building a Zin that has depth of flavor especially evident in silky texture, centered midpalate and a refreshing finish. This is not a one-trick horse. It is a premium, well structured Zin that will make you think differently about the varietal.
Nalle Winery sits on land our family has owned since 1917, overlooking the old vine Zinfandel block planted in 1927 by Andrew’s great great grandparents, Fred and Ruby Henderlong, during Prohibition. Occupying roughly 1.5 acres of prime bench land, the old vines are dry farmed and head trained, yielding intense fruit flavors, balanced acidity and structured tannins. Soil here is well-drained, gravelly clay loam that imparts concentrated fruit flavors. Like stepping back in time, elegant, old fashioned Zin flavors reflect the rich history of land that has been cultivated for almost 95 years.
AROMA: Pure, vibrant notes of strawberries, candied apple and Santa Rosa plum with a deeper layer of sweet herbs and fruit leather.
TASTE: Upon first sip, rich notes of dark cherry, hazelnut, and root beer crème lead into a layered pop of fresh raspberry, key lime and dried anise. Texturally round and uplifting, good structure supports flavor development.
TEXTURE: After the initial burst of flavor, a focused midpalate develops the smooth and velvety center. Tannins are seamless and balanced with depth of flavor, bright acidity and moderate alcohol. French oak is finely integrated in this exceptional Zinfandel from the world class Dry Creek Valley. Elegant, mouth-filling, round and refreshing. There’s no other Zin quite like it.
FINISH: An enjoyable silky, bright texture that leads to a long finish.
VARIETAL: 100% Zinfandel
Barrel Aging French oak (Alain Fouquet, Demptos, Francois Freres) 25% new, for 11 months.
Cases Produced 216
Alcohol 13.8%
pH 3.60
TA 6.4
