2012 Lagier Meredith, Tribidrag, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley.
Steve Lagier and Carol Meredith make some of the most unique and terroir driven wines in Napa Valley, and their Zinfandel aka Tribidrag is a sensational wine that shows a vibrant array of flavors and gives tons of pleasure. Dr. Meredith is one of the world’s top experts on wine grapes and vines, and speaking with her is always enlightening and her enthusiasm is contagious, especially about her work on the origins of our state grape, Zinfandel. The history of Zin was a long and winding road, but finally through DNA and great detective work we can now say, without any doubt, that Zinfandel came from Croatia and it is known there by the name Tribidrag. With the mystery of it’s heritage solved, Steve and Carole now label their Zinfandel by it’s true name Tribidrag and it ranks up there with the very best in the state. The new release, the 2012 is a beautiful mountain influenced wine with a good dark hue of ruby and garnet, it is spiced filled and wonderfully layered with balanced fruit, briar and length. The palate is vivid and totally seducing with plum, black raspberry, a mix of cherry and blueberry along with pepper, sweet herbs, anise, cedar notes and stony elements. There is vigorous focus and drive, but with wonderful texture and supple tannins, this will be an interesting wine to follow over the next decade, though it is certainly engaging now, this is an exciting and special Zin (Tribidrag) that I highly recommend, as well as their fantastic Syrah, plus they make Mondeuse, a rare Savoie varietal and a super Malbec from their estate on Mount Veeder, these all are classy efforts.
($45 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
