2012 James Cole Old Vines Zinfandel

James Cole Estate Winery is on the legendary Silverado Trail. It was founded in 2000 when James Cole, a former wine business executive in British Columbia, and his wife Colleen, a marketing specialist, bought 11 acres of property in Napa and planted vineyards. Charles Hendricks in the consulting winemaker and Jim Regusci is the vineyard manager. James Cole’s flagship wine are their estate Cabernet Sauvignon, though they also make Bordeaux-style blends, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Ice Wine and Chardonnay.

Calistoga AVA is one of Napa Valley’s newer appellations, having been given appellation status in 2010. It is notable for its volcanic soil, which is unusual in the Napa Valley. Calistoga also experiences the greatest average 24-hour temperature swing of any Napa Valley AVAs, which Calistoga grape growers insist give the grapes time to “cool down” at night, making for better balanced wines. The 1,500 Calistoga vineyard acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah, along with smaller amounts of other varietals. Calistoga is at the northern end of Napa Valley, northwest of the Diamond District and St. Helena AVAs. Longtime winemaker Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena, which is located in the Calistoga AVA, proposed the creation of the appellation.

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.