Very tasty Zinfandel, coming from old vines growing in the sandy vineyards of the Sacramento Delta. Loads of fruit smells and flavors: finger-staining raspberries and blackberries, cherry compote, candied orange peel. Spices galore too such as allspice, black pepper and cinnamon. Very concentrated, smooth tannins, rich but not over-the-top. A good drink now-enjoy anytime. 15.7% alcohol and still everything’s in balance. Skilled winemakers are able to create not-hot wines from very ripe grapes – wasn’t often the case 10-20 years ago.
More Information
Wilson Foreigner is a two-family-owned winery. David & Christine Wilson live on their family vineyard in Napa’s Wooden Valley. Chris and Suzaan Alheit live and work in South Africa (They are the Foreigner. Sorry, but no homage to the ’80s rock band. Read about their partnership here.) The winery makes three wines. Just one, currently, comes from the Wilson family vineyard, “Rancho Chimiles.” They follow the “New California Wine” model of unique grapes, mindful vineyard practices and non-intervention winemaking. All of which lead to wines that are intense, energetic and decidedly unique. All that and very fairly priced, too. Get some.
Read my Wilson Foreigner Winery profile HERE.
For all the Wilson Foreigner wines I’ve reviewed, GO HERE.
