A quintessential California Zinfandel. Beringer has built a legacy crafting renowned wines from a prized collection of California vineyards, celebrating a remarkable winemaking tradition dating back to 1876 when the Napa winery was founded by Beringer brothers Frederick & Jacob.
A Zin that definitely portrays some Classic California ripeness. Ripe blueberries, blackberries, plums, a hint of smoky and mineral characters and a touch perfumed (dried floral notes) on the nose. On the palate you’ll find that smoke and berry ripeness coming through, with a little tangy raspberry adding to a lengthy finish. Medium plus body with a silky mouthfeel, smooth light tannins and luscious acidity. I love Zins with a juicy bacon and smoked cheddar burger or with your favourite pizza. This one should not disappoint!
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Black Rock is part of the Bronco Wine Company, which was formed in 1973 by Fred, Joseph and John Franzia. Since the start, they have been clear that the goal is to make wines for consumption, rather than for storage. At the same time, the quality must be as high as possible, at the lowest possible price. The name Bronco is a merger of brother and cousin after the brothers Fred and Joseph and their cousin John. Great aromas of red berries and fruit, with a touch of herbaceousness. Full-bodied, with healthy fruit tones, well-balanced tannins and a subtle hint of oak. Serve around 16-18 ° C as a perfect complement to grilled lamb chops, or to dishes on game or beef. Also nice for a cheese platter, with not too strong cheeses. -
Black Rock is part of the Bronco Wine Company, which was formed in 1973 by Fred, Joseph and John Franzia. Since the start, they have been clear that the goal is to make wines for consumption, rather than for storage. At the same time, the quality must be as high as possible, at the lowest possible price. The name Bronco is a merger of brother and cousin after the brothers Fred and Joseph and their cousin John. Attractive tones of tropical fruit and a slightly spicy vanilla tone. Elegant and medium-bodied, with a nice balance and long aftertaste. Serve around 12 -14 ° C with chicken satay, or other dishes on white meat, a spicy stir-fry with noodles, fish or salad. Enjoy -
It began with a vision. A belief in the possibility of something bigger and better – something that didn’t quite exist yet. In the early 1970s, Napa Valley was a sleepy agricultural town on the brink of a fine-wine awakening. Drawing on his construction experience, Joe set about establishing the building blocks of winemaking excellence. By embedding his no-compromise philosophy deep into the bedrock of the winery, Joe set the framework to push for greatness. In 1974, he had the idea to make a unique blend each year, one that would represent the finest wine he could make from each vintage. He didn’t necessarily think it would always be a Cabernet Sauvignon either. His only thought was to make one wine that represented the best of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. Today, Insignia is widely regarded as a qualitative benchmark for Californian winemaking that has earned Joseph Phelps its longstanding reputation for excellence. The production has been scaled back to the point where all the fruit comes from estate vineyards, which is something of a rarity in California. This is now a brilliantly focused, dynamic producer that refuses to rest on its laurels. In our honest opinion in Pinto Wines this wine can compare easely with top Burgundy wines at this price point. We have aged some of these wines in store and are ready to be enjoyed. -
This wine is a gem in the middle of great wines produced in the renowned region of Napa Valley. Grapes are meticulously picked from the best parts of the different vineyards belonging to the estate. Great investment wine, with a fantastic long drinking window. The 2018 growing season in Napa Valley was marked by cool, mild weather. The cooler than normal spring delayed bud break, bloom and veraison by two weeks compared to the previous five years. The mild weather patterns in August and September allowed for excellent overall phenological ripening and development of a complex aroma and flavor profile in the finished wines. Outstanding flavor development and color were key indicators of this exceptional vintage. The winery was founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, a successful construction executive and entrepreneur whose early interest in wine led him to establish vineyards on a 670-acre former cattle ranch in Napa Valley. Over the next 42 years Joe became one of the most respected figures in the California wine industry, building Joseph Phelps Vineyards into a critically-acclaimed winery internationally known for its iconic wines and unwavering commitment to quality. Every wine in the Joseph Phelps portfolio is 100% estate-grown, overseen from grape to bottle by our dedicated winegrowing team. The family owns and farms 390 acres of vines in Napa Valley on eight estate vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, the Stags Leap District, the Oak Knoll District, South Napa and Carneros, as well as 100 acres over two vineyards on the western Sonoma Coast. Strategically chosen over many decades, each vineyard has its own personality and brings a different characteristic to their wines. Their commitment to the estate-grown model is their way of ensuring consistency and the highest quality that can be achieved. Having estate vineyards give the winemaking teams unparalleled depth and diversity when it comes to producing Joseph Phelps wines. Only 12,400 cases were produced. -
Broc Cellars is an organic urban winery located in Berkeley, California. The owner/winemaker is Chris Brockway, a minimalist who produces the most natural wines he can. Grapes are sourced only from sustainably, organically, or biodynamically-farmed old vine vineyards. Fruit all comes from Green valley in Solano County right on the eastern edge of Napa Valley. Grapes are pitchforked whole-cluster into the fermenters, and fermentation is allowed to happen spontaneously in a blend of old wood barrels, steel tanks, and concrete. All wines are basket pressed with little/no sulphur used until bottling.. An extremely pretty and approachable red that has a fruity, floral nose, a fresh, light palate with a serious finish. Interesting Cabernet Franc approach, so easy to drink that is almost gulpable. Unusual but a must try, definitely one of our favourites -
The Seghesio family began making wine in California in 1895 when Edoardo Seghesio planted Zinfandel vines in Alexander Valley. Over the intervening years the third generation of the family, Pete Seghesio and his cousin Ted Seghesio, established the estate as a top producer of Californian Zinfandel. Today the winery has 120 hectares of vineyards which are all farmed sustainably in the appellations of Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley. The vines for this bottling come from estate vineyards in Dry Creek and Alexander Valley with careful management of yields to ensure excellent quality. The robust flavour profile makes this a great partner for barbecued meats and steak, although it can also be kept in the cellar for another few years. -
Family-owned winery Sequoia Grove was founded in 1979 in a 110-year old barn beneath a grove of Sequoia trees in Rutherford. Michael Trujillo joined the winery as assistant winemaker in 1981, becoming director of winemaking in 2002. His philosophy is based on balance in the vineyard, planting different blocks with different clones, and farming without pesticides. The family have been working with their partner growers for decades which gives them access to the very best quality fruit each year and allows them to create this complex wine which truly expresses the Rutherford terroir. The young wine is aged in oak barrel for 20 months which adds sweet spice notes and extra complexity to the finished bottling. The rich, powerful flavor profile makes this a winner with lovers of big, bold reds and a great match for red meats. Drink now through to 2030. Decanting is always recommended but is not a must -
Estate Grown Morning Fog Chardonnay is named for the morning coastal fog pushed by Pacific wind streams into the bowl of the San Francisco Bay. This daily phenomenon moderates the climate to produce excellent, beautifully balanced Chardonnay.Wente Vineyards is one of the oldest, family run wineries, in America having been established in 1883. The Estate extends to some 3000 acres, 2000 in the San Francisco Bay appellation and 1000 acres in Arroyo Seco, Monterey to the south.Pioneers of the Californian Chardonnay clone Wente claim 80% of all Californian Chardonnay is from the Wente original clone. The family, German in origin, has long been innovators introducing stainless steel fermentation tanks in the 60’s and introducing varietal labelled wines as long ago as the 1930’s. Today, fifth generation winemaker Karl D. Wente carries on the family winemaking tradition. Such a smooth wine is delicious to enjoy alone at any time, but if you prefer to pair it, go for light flavoured meals like white meats, pastas, risottos with no added spice.
