Tofanelli 2017 Zinfandel “Estate” Napa Valley

The Tofanelli Story: Vince Tofanelli grew up in an Italian family – LOTS of food and WINE!  His grandfather introduced him at a very young age to wine (he would pour a little vino in his water), and that led to an early introduction, and later education as winemaker crafting great wines and tending to this amazing vineyard.  The historical vineyard stands as one of the last examples of pre-World War II grape growing. The methods Vince still uses were once prevalent throughout the valley; no irrigation (not even a drip line to be seen, with an organic philosophy – he never jumped on the ‘bandwagon’ of post-war pesticides).

The Wine:  Beautiful blue fruits, white flowers, and graphite notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied red that has fabulous elegance and class. With fine tannins and terrific balance, it’s a great wine, and I suspect it will keep for over a decade.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points: “Coming from vines in Calistoga and a blend of 90% Zinfandel, 6% Petite Sirah, and 4% Grenache, the 2017 Zinfandel Tofanelli Family Vineyard boasts a big, boisterous bouquet of wild strawberries, dried flowers, cedarwood, and spice. These carry to a medium-bodied, elegant Zinfandel that has terrific balance, light tannins, and a silky texture. Made in a more elegant, lightly textured yet beautifully balanced style, drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years or so.”