The 2006 Zinfandel Aida Vineyard is a deep ruby/purple-tinged blend of 86% Zinfandel and 14% Petite Sirah, it boasts complex notes of scorched earth, lavender, black cherries, spice box, pepper, and earth. Full-bodied with loads of glycerin as well as heady alcohol, it is an exuberant, astonishing Zinfandel to drink over the next 7-8 years. Proprietor Chuck McMinn and his winemaker, Philippe Melka, continue to fashion one of Napa’s finest negociant blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, offering it at a reasonable price for a high end Napa Cabernet. The Aida Vineyard, situated between St. Helena and Calistoga, was a source of superb Zinfandel when the fruit was purchased by Larry Turley for Turley Wine Cellars. At Vineyard 29, they have continued to blend it with Petite Sirah, and age it in French oak. The most limited offering in this portfolio is the Sauvignon Blanc (100 or so cases produced). This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is aged for an unusually long time (16 months) in 100% new French oak. However, the oak is never noticeable in these cuvees as they are meant to replicate a fine white Bordeaux capable of aging. A wine I reviewed last year, the 2005, is still drinking fabulously well. Tel. (707) 963-9292; Fax (707) 963-7848

The 2006 Zinfandel Aida Vineyard is a deep ruby/purple-tinged blend of 86% Zinfandel and 14% Petite Sirah, it boasts complex notes of scorched earth, lavender, black cherries, spice box, pepper, and earth. Full-bodied with loads of glycerin as well as heady alcohol, it is an exuberant, astonishing Zinfandel to drink over the next 7-8 years. Proprietor Chuck McMinn and his winemaker, Philippe Melka, continue to fashion one of Napa’s finest negociant blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, offering it at a reasonable price for a high end Napa Cabernet. The Aida Vineyard, situated between St. Helena and Calistoga, was a source of superb Zinfandel when the fruit was purchased by Larry Turley for Turley Wine Cellars. At Vineyard 29, they have continued to blend it with Petite Sirah, and age it in French oak. The most limited offering in this portfolio is the Sauvignon Blanc (100 or so cases produced). This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is aged for an unusually long time (16 months) in 100% new French oak. However, the oak is never noticeable in these cuvees as they are meant to replicate a fine white Bordeaux capable of aging. A wine I reviewed last year, the 2005, is still drinking fabulously well.Tel. (707) 963-9292; Fax (707) 963-7848

A beautiful Zin, lush and classically proportioned, despite some fairly hefty alcohol. With ultra-refined tannins, fine acidity and lots of new oak to provide a smoky structure, it’s rich and complex in currants, cassis, mocha, pepper, cinnamon and 5-spice flavors. Blended with Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s fine now and through 2012.——S.H.(4/1/2009)—— 93