2011 Humanitas 'Good Earth' Zinfandel Willy's Vineyard
Humanitas Willy's Vineyard Zinfandel from Chiles Valley has a nose on it that is a cauldron of aromas. Try mixing up a cinnamon apple with toasted coconut, raspberry compote and a little cola and that might come close. And as the wine sits in the glass, it continues to morph into hints of orange zest, leather, white pepper... all really delightful scents. On the palate, the wine is intense It's like essence of Zinfandel - thick, rich, full-bodied. This is BBQ ribs wine or a good hearty tri-tip marinated and cooked over mesquite. Grab some of your more outgoing friends, grill up the ribs, blare some good old Southern Rock and settle in for the ride!
Winemaker’s Comments
The ‘Good Earth’ tier celebrates specific vineyards showcasing a distinct style of a particular varietal unique to that vineyard site. Willy’s Vineyard in the Chiles Valley of Napa is quintessentially ‘unique’ with ancient ‘old soldier’ head pruned vines really on their last legs, but so expressive and wise in their old age.
Yields are anemic, the vines look like they need canes just to stand up, and several of the vines have simply given up the ghost. But those that remain have fruit is so intense & so in concert with their site that there is no other Zinfandel vineyard quite like it. This is more like Zinfandel extract than ‘regular’ Zin. It is a dazzling expression of the grape Napa used to be known for – the noble Zinfandel!
Wine Description
Willy’s Zinfandel has a nose on it that is a cauldron of smells. Try mixing up a cinnamon apple with toasted coconut, raspberry compote and a little cola and that might come close. And as the wine sits in the glass, it continues to morph into more & more hints of things like orange zest, leather, white pepper…all really delightful scents.
On the palate, the wine is…intense! It is like essence of Zinfandel – thick, rich, full-bodied…it is really a striking wine one can’t help but remember. Spices & raspberries; tobacco & leather; earth & toast…all things we love about this varietal. This is BBQ ribs wine…or a good hearty tri-tip marinated & cooked over mesquite. Nothing shy about this wine – grab some of your more outgoing friends, grill up the ribs, blare some good old Southern Rock (how ‘bout the Allman Bros or some vintage Marshall Tucker?) and settle in for the ride. Willy will deliver a wine experience you will cherish!
Alcohol: 14.9%
Bottling Date: August 21, 2013
Appellation: Napa ‘Willy’s Vineyard’ Designation Chiles Valley
Blend: 100% Napa Zinfandel
Wood: 10 months American & French Oak