2008 Joel Gott Zinfandel

California

Joel Gott Zinfandel is a rare red wine gem that has steadily built a following over its first 9 vintages. This Zinfandel is considered by some "the poor man's Turley" because of its astonishing quality-to-price ratio. Joel Gott was born into a family of winemakers. His grandfather was winemaker and president of Inglenook in the '60s and 70's; his father founded Montevina; his wife Sarah has made wines for Joseph Phelps and now makes Joel Gott wines; and Joel has made some pretty good wines himself! In addition to Joel's uncanny blending ability, he has privileged access to many of the best and as yet undiscovered fruit sources in the Napa Valley. Joel Gott wines are therefore remarkable values, offering gobs of classic California fruit, good structure and excellent balance.

When Joel is not making great wine, he manages at least four other businesses, including the Palisades Market in Calistoga and Napa Valley's hottest burger stand, Taylor's Refresher, where Robert Parker enjoyed one of his "Most Memorable Meals." If you haven't had the pleasure of trying one of Joel's wines, now's the time to jump aboard!

The 2008 vintage of Joel Gott Zinfandel is a blend of 96% Zinfandel, 3% Petite Sirah and 1% Alicante Bouchet, combining grapes from Napa, Sonoma, Lodi and Amador. The Lodi and Amador vineyards are old, dry-farmed, gnarly head-trained vines which produce concentrated fruit. Adding the depth of Napa Valley fruit and the spiciness from cool Sonoma grapes creates a blend that shows off the best of California Zinfandel. The wine is a deep ruby/purple in color with a vibrant nose of black raspberry, black cherry, plum, cola, tobacco and spicy oak. Medium/full in body, it is bright and assertive with soft tannins and bold flavors of black cherries, raspberries, plums, maple and spice. Aged for 10 months in 30% new American oak, 70% 2- and 4-year-old French oak barrels. Well structured and complex, it offers beautiful balance and a long, smooth finish.

Enjoy Joel Gott Zinfandel with your Thanksgiving turkey, or with roast chicken, BBQ ribs, grilled vegetables and cheeses.