2002 Dutch Henry Rutherford Zinfandel

Dutch Henry Winery was founded in 1992 on the Silverado Trail in Calistoga by the Chafen family. The family has grown grapes in the Napa Valley for nearly 30 years starting when Les and Maggie Chafen bought their first vineyard. They started Chafen Family Vineyards and today have 22 acres. Their son Scott is the winemaker and overseas the daily operations of the enterprise. The estate is certified as organic. Dutch Henry makes primarily red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel. The Argos is a Bordeaux-style blend. Sauvignon Blanc and Rose is also produced. About 5,000 cases are produced annually.

Rutherford AVA is just north of the Oakville AVA in the heart of Napa Valley, and it is equally distinguished. It is home to Beaulieu Vineyard and inglenook, arguably Napa Valley’s most historically influential wineries. Inglenook started making in wine in the late 19th century, and Beaulieu Vineyards was producing by the first years of the 20th century. BV founder Georges de Latour is particularly esteemed for having recruited Andre Tchelistcheff, a renowned research oenologist, to move from France to Napa Valley in 1938 and run BV’s winemaking. The legendary Tchelistcheff brought European winemaking techniques to Napa Valley and vastly improved wine quality. Other Rutherford winemakers followed his lead. Today there are 5,000 vineyard acres in Rutherford and many acclaimed producers. The famous Silverado Trail with its exclusive, limited production wineries, runs partly through Rutherford AVA. Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons are characterized by supple tannins, richness, notes of cherry and plum, depth and the ability to age for several decades. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon the AVA also grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. It received its AVA designation in 1994.

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.