Description
George Hendry and his family have been growing grapes on their 203-acre farm located at the foot of Mt. Veeder (just northwest of the city of Napa) for over 80 years. A portion of Hendry Ranch sits on some of the earliest vineyards planted in Napa, dating back to 1859. The site has seen a wide range of ups-and-downs, from Phylloxera devastating the vines in the late 1800s to the onset of Prohibition in 1920. The Hendry family began making wine in 1992—prior to that, they sold their grapes to other winemakers; and now make their wine solely from estate-grown fruit. The maritime microclimate lends itself well to over a dozen grape varietals, especially Zinfandel, commonly referred to as, “California’s heritage grape.”
HRW, Hendry’s companion label, is dedicated to producing affordable Napa Valley appellation-designated wines. 100% Zinfandel, the 2020 HRW Zinfandel was sourced from the following Hendry vineyard blocks: Block 7-A, B, C and D, planted in 1974, FPS (UC Davis) Clone 2, Block 12, planted in 1992, FPS (UC Davis) Clone 2, Block 28, planted in 1998, BMV (Brandlin Mountain Vineyard) Selection, Block 29, planted in 1999, “Mendocino” clone. Primary fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks. Upon completion of fermentation, the wine was pressed to barrel for secondary malolactic fermentation. Aging was for twelve months in French oak barrels (10% new).
Medium garnet hue. Aromas of dark berries mingled with mocha. The palate is fruit-driven with great structure; flavors of brambly blackberries, chocolate covered blueberries, toffee and café au lait. Medium plus body, with fresh, stemmy tannins, and classic Zinfandel peppery spice through the dry finish. Rich but not overdone, and a great value at just $20 retail.
577 cases produced.
