2017 Dark Matter Zinfandel

Dark Matter is a wine project that comes with an impressive legacy. The four women who started it are sisters, and they are the grand daughters of Peter Mondavi Sr. As fourth generation Mondavis, they are descended from one of the most influential families in 20th century California winemaking. Their great-grandparents were Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, who purchased the Charles Krug winery after Prohibition. The late Robert Mondavi was their great uncle. The sisters all worked in various aspects of the wine business before collaborating on Dark Matter wines, which are made from fruit grown on family-owned Howell Mountain vineyards. Dark Matter makes Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Both wines are generally available only by mailing list.

Howell Mountain AVA in Northeastern Napa Valley was the first of Napa Valley’s sub-appellations, earning its own designation in 1984, just a year after Napa Valley became an appellation. As the name suggests, the AVA is in one of the highest elevations in the area. Every vineyard in the appellation is at least 1,400 feet above sea level. Some vineyards are as high as 2,200 feet and because of their altitude most of the AVA’s vineyards receive more sun than vineyards at lower elevations, which are affected by fog from the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay. Howell Mountain was home to vineyards in the late 19th century, but winemaker Randy Dunn is considered the area’s most influential modern pioneer. Dunn moved to Howell Mountain in 1979, acquired property and began making exceptionally rich Cabernet Sauvignon. The AVA also grows Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. There are 600 vineyard acres within Howell Mountain AVA.

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.