2019 Macauley Old Vine Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California

In keeping with the traditional style favored for California’s grape, a regimen in 35% new American Oak adds aromatic and textural subtlety, offering notes of coconut, clove, and vanilla spices. The weighted fore and aft on the palate, and the central balance of this wine might be the most intriguing thing about this wine. The entry begins with depth and ripeness, unrelenting through the mid-palate, and builds to a crescendo at the back. The abundantly rich, dark fruit is very friendly in this full-bodied Zin, which has been aged for 16 months in 35% new Nadalie’ Virginia Oak.