2013 Witchery Howell Mountain Zinfandel

Wine: 2013 Witchery Howell Mountain Zinfandel
Estate: Witchery Wines

Location: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker: Grant Long Jr
Elevage: 50% new French Oak
Varietal: 92% Zinfandel and 8% Petite Sirah

Decant: One hour.

Location: Drank at home on 2/3/2016

Tasting Note:

Let's start by saying we were very impressed with this wine, and it is said to think that this is the only vintage Witchery will be making. The wine was insanely dark, almost black. Love the complexity that this nose carries. Starting off with baking spices and cinnamon, coupled with some sweet dark berry jam and finishing off with some mesquite smoked and maple wood. Moderate plus tannins (7/10), with a moderate body. Great structure and weight to the body. This does not finish like a typical Zinfandel, it starts off jammy on the palate and goes slightly savory before going dry in the moderate plus finish.  and goes dry in the finish. and moderate plus finish. Very happy that we have two more of these!

Dates: Now till 2022

Rating: 92

Price: $$ - $55.00

2009 Olabisi Cabernet Sauvignon Gratitude Vineyard

Wine: 2009 Olabisi Cabernet Sauvignon Gratitude Vineyard
Estate: Olabisi Wines

Vineyard: Gratitude Vineyard
Location: Howell Mountain AVA, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker: Ted Osbourne
Elevage: 19 months in 75% new French Oak
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Decant: One hour.

Location: Napa Valley Wine Train on 10/03/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Deep and rich dark ruby red with purplish hues and not cloudy.
Nose/Smell: Nose was full of dark fruits, more precisely cassis, blackberries and blueberries. 
Palate/Taste: Palate was voluptuous and completely silky tannins, it just rolled down your tongue. Initial attack through to the end was completely full of cassis. Thick and plush, tannins are strong accompanied with a full body. Amazing structure and very well integrated.
Opinion: Never heard of this wine before, we just wanted to try a solid cabernet. If I had the space we would of easily taken another six home. Our wine travel case (literally a steel box, you'll see pictures next week) was already completely full, not including the additional 11 bottles we has to split in our checked luggage. That was a nerve racking flight home...whew. This is an amazing wine with aging potential for sure.
Dates: Now till 2030
Rating: 94

Price: $$$ - $125.00.