1997 Villa Mt. Eden Monte Rosso Grand Reserve Zinfandel

Villa Mt. Eden was founded in 1881, making it California’s 11th bonded winery. In the 1970s it was owned by Anne McWilliams, granddaughter of the founder of the Bank of America, and improvements were made. For a few years in the 1980s the much-admired Napa winemaker Nils Venge made the wines. In 1986 the estate was sold to Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates, now known as Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the large Washington state based wine conglomerate.

Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape, but 85% of the wine produced is made into a rosy “White Zinfandel.” Red Zin is far more complex and bold, while still being light-bodied. It grows in popularity as winemakers continue to experiment with new styles and blends.