2013 Green & Red, Zinfandel, Chiles Canyon Vineyards Estate, Napa Valley.
Still one of the great deals in Zinfandel, the 2013 Green & Red Vineyards Chiles Canyon Estate is one of the best vintages I’ve had to date, with a deep garnet and purple hue this Zin has loads of fruit, ripe tannins as well as a nice play between opulence and spicy verve. The nose starts with a mix of floral tones, creme de cassis, peppercorns and black licorice leading to a palate of black raspberry, sweet cherry, juicy plum and tangy currant fruits along with cedar, sage, a hint of red pepper Mexican chocolate/mole and a touch of dusty loam. This is richly flavored, excitingly thick with red and black fruit giving a full bodied and lush mouth feel, but it is also well judged and balanced with a lift of acidity and savory elements. Look for this Green & Red to develop nicely for many years, it’s a thrilling Zin, and in an age of huge egos and exceptionally high prices in Napa, it’s gratifying to know you can get such a pleasing and honest wine under $30, bravo to Green & Red for such impressive stuff year after year.
($22 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
