Sky 2016 Zinfandel, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, CA

$39.99 bottle / $227.94($37.99) six-pack

Yep, we’re pimping a CA Zinfandel.  For those of you familiar with Sky Zin, you understand why -it’s unlike 99% of other Zinfandels made in the modern era (last 25 years).  Located high up on Napa's Mt. Veeder, Sky's vineyard has been the source of great Zin for decades.  Back in the 1980s and '90s, there were a good number of wineries in Sonoma and Napa making well-balanced, multi-demential Zinfandel that actually aged well. Those were the days before celebrity winemakers started churning out over-ripe zins with no acidity and 15%-17% alcohol that tasted like alcoholic blackberry syrup from the local IHOP.  The 2016 (current release) Sky Zinfandel is quite the opposite with delicious restrained brambly fruit, excellent balance, modest alcohol (13.1.%), and the structure to age.  It’s so pure and so balanced and packed with tangy red fruit and bright acidity. While this Zin will continue to develop in the cellar, it's already lip-smackin' good and a perfect partner for just about any meaty delight you might throw on your BBQ.  I just tasted the 2000 version of this wine and was floored by how well it had aged and great it was tasting.