2022 B Cellars Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel

B Cellars was established in 2003 when Jim Borsack and Duffy Keys decided to step back from previous careers and produce wine. Winemaker Kirk Venge soon joined the team. The label and logo stand for the BRIX scale, which is a system used to measure the sugar content of grapes and wine. B Cellars sources grapes from many of Napa’s premier vineyards, producing a large portfolio of blends and single vineyards wines. Included are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and proprietary blends.

Moon Mountain AVA earned its official status as an American Viticultural Area in 2013. The Moon Mountain district is a sub-appellation of Sonoma Valley, and has long been considered a prestigious address for vineyards. At the relatively high level of 400 to 2.700 feet above sea level, the 17,633-acre AVA is on the western slope of the Mayacamas Mountains. About 2,000 acres within the AVA are planted to vineyards. The climate benefits from constant breezes from the bay as well as sunshine, since the area is above the fog line. Grapes grown in the AVA are primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, with some Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

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.