Mount Veeder’s Sky Vineyards and the Olds household embody resilience, having misplaced each the household dwelling and a good portion of the winery within the California fires of 2017. Established greater than 50 years in the past, this aggressively eco-friendly, natural, family-run, small-scale operation continues to persevere, producing Zinfandel, Syrah, Riesling, and a crimson mix. Right now, we try two their 4 choices: the flagship Zinfandel and Half’N, a 50/50 mix of Syrah and Zinfandel, crafted solely in distinctive classic years.
2017 Sky Vineyards Mount Veeder Napa Valley Zinfandel – Daring even for Zinfandel, this wine gives earthy notes of leather-based, topsoil and cedar, adopted by a touch of plum. Given time, refined traces of cigar field and clove reduce by way of from beneath, rewarding those that can wait. Issues shift significantly on the palate, with the darkish fruit taking cost and resulting in a lingering end of cranberry and milk chocolate. The Zin clocks (z)in at 15.5% abv, including to the heaviness, however the fruit masks the excessive alcohol very nicely, making it very approachable for displaying such dimension and depth. It’s simple to think about discovering lesser high quality at twice this worth level elsewhere within the area. It’s good for an additional 12 months of getting old, however able to be loved now. A- / $50
2020 Sky Vineyards Mount Veeder Napa Valley Half’N – Extremely fruit-forward with daring berry notes complemented by peppercorn and currant. Vivid, excessive acidity refuses to stray from the characteristic presentation of darkish cherry and blackberry, though the end does current a shocking word of olive because the fruit fades. If searching for a bottle that can assist you step exterior your consolation zone, it is a strong candidate for consideration. B+ / $35
2020 Sky Vineyards Mount Veeder Napa Valley Half’N
$35
