CHATEAU MONTELENA 2017 ZINFANDEL CALISTOGA 750mL

Brambly and dark with compounding waves of dried cherry, cedar, and Chinese five-spice, the wine opens with effusive fruit and, after a few moments, fresh roses. The energetic nature of the palate perfectly reflects the complexity of the growing season as bright acid contrasts black pepper, which yields to plenty of ripe raspberry and cherry candy. This, in turn, transitions to fresh mint and abundant spicy cloves. It’s spice that drives the finish with tension and grace as the fine-grain tannins slowly give way to dark-roasted coffee bean and a hint of lemon zest.