Jeff Cohn Cellars Cassata Zinfandel 2014
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Robert
Parker -
Connoisseurs'
Guide
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Winemaker Notes
Blend: 75% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I tasted a half-dozen Zinfandel-based cuvées from Jeff Cohn – and all of them merit serious attention from wine consumers. The 2014 Zinfandel Cassata Vineyard is 75% Zinfandel and 25% Petite Sirah with 15% whole clusters. This is a killer Zinfandel with floral notes, loads of blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, medium to full-bodied and, somehow, hiding all of its high-octane 15.6% alcohol. Stunningly floral, rich, full-bodied and compelling, this is a stunner to drink over the next 7-8 years.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Powerful stuff as all of the Jeff Cohn Zinfandels are and a fully ripe wine of enormous substance and striking fruity depth, the Cassata Vineyard bottling is rife with blackberries and spice with a nice note of creamy oak joining in. At this point, it makes no pretense to politeness and goes for the gusto instead, but for all of its extract, its obvious muscle and its tannic, youthfully tough finish, it is surprisingly well-balanced and will age famously. It would be a shame to see this one drunk before its time and it comes with the strongest urging that it be laid away for no fewer than three or four years.
Other Vintages
2013-
Robert
Parker -
Connoisseurs'
Guide
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Robert
Parker
All JC Cellars wines are fermented in open top fermenting vessels that range in size from a half ton to eight tons, where each bin is hand punched down five times per day. This time-consuming procedure allows maximum exposure of skins to juice, intensifying the flavor of the fruit while handling it as gently as possible.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!