2001 Niebaum-Coppola Diamond Series Red Label Zinfandel

Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery is a historic, 190-acre estate in Rutherford, in California’s Napa Valley which, since 2006, has reverted to its 19th century name, Inglenook. The estate was founded in 1879 by a sea captain named Gustave Niebaum, who called his estate Inglenook and dreamed of making European-quality wine. Inglenook wines became a benchmark for the young California wine industry in the early 20th century. In 1975 filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and his wife bought Niebaum’s home, and in 1995 they bought the Inglenook chateau and 80 acres of vineyards. In 2011 the Coppola’s bought the Inglenook trademark and have begun calling the estate by its historic name of Inglenook. Niebaum-Coppola makes several labels and much of their wine is made from purchased grapes. The flagship wine is Rubicon, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend. The estate also makes Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a white Rhone-style blend.

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.