Red - Zinfandel

The Dry Creek Old Vine Zinfandel presents alluring aromatics of blackberry, boysenberry and bright Bing cherry with notes of cocoa powder, cardamom, and fine leather. On the palate, brambly layers of black cherry, blackberry and black raspberry come forward with nuances of nutmeg and white pepper. The wine is complex, with bright acidity complimented by a long, lingering finish. The tannins are structured, but soft, and lend a round, rich mouthfeel.

So broad and deep are the flavors in this mountain-grown, to call it intense is an understatement. Massive in briary, brambly blackberries, it has layers of baking spices, especially cloves and cinnamon, orange zest, and a sweet, concentrated burst of liquefied red licorice. There’s also meaty note: think teriyaki beef tartare. The alcohol is high, as indeed it has to be in a wine like this, which would not be ripe without it; but there’s no heat, just a mouth-filling warmth that rewards slow sipping.

Korte Ranch is located just north of the town of St. Helena along the Napa River on Ehlers Lane. It is truly one of the most distinctive and classic Zinfandel vineyards left in Napa Valley with the vines that Elyse Winery sources from being a minimum of 70 years old. It has been family owned for four generations and was a bonded winery before prohibition. The gnarly old head trained, dry farmed vines are planted where the eastern and western hillsides meet. This beautiful property is perfectly suited for high quality grape growing from the cool morning and nighttime temperatures to the loose soils of rocky loam which help make wine of unique and bold character. The Elyse Zinfandel 2016, Korte Ranch is beautifully deep garnet colored with intriguing aromas of black plum, blackberry pie, caramel, cinnamon, galangal root, incense, clove and orange zest. Lavishly textured with generous flavors of sweet blackberry, blueberry, cassis and the slightest hint of cracked black pepper and spice. Smooth entry with a broad mouthfeel, rich fruit and well integrated tannins lead to a finish that is long and lingering. 92 Points Wine Enthusiast. 1165 cases made.

The wine has a dark cherry color, with a light garnet rim. Aromatic rose petal, blackberry, cola, and licorice scents are enhanced by a touch of cedar and black peppercorn. Ripe, fruity, black raspberry, plum, and rhubarb flavors are heightened by notes of anise seed, black truffle, and toasty oak. Expect perfumed forward fruit thru 2020, then a deeper, almost Gigondas-like wine in the decade to follow. 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Gold Medal.