Asylum Zinfandel 2014
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When Luna's founders first laid eyes on the Luna property in 1995, they instantly recognized the magic and the amazing potential of its estate vineyard, perfectly located along the Silverado Trail. They bought the property and followed their dream, building a winery that paid tribute to the varietals that set Napa Valley apart.
The original founders brought tradition engrained by Italian ancestors, to embrace local processes that would sustain a deep and abiding respect for the Napa region. They were the first family-owned winery to plant the visionary Italian varietal of Pinot Grigio on the estate vineyard, on the eastern hillside of the Silverado Trail.
From the farming methods that sustain the rich and bio-diverse ecosystem of the Estate Vineyard to the dense rocky subsoil of the Game Farm Vineyard, Luna Vineyards believes that the most important part of winemaking happens in the vineyard.
The winemaking team maintains a deep and abiding respect for the land, tilling the soil as little as possible, and restricting the use of chemicals and fertilizers. Hand picking and multiple sorting techniques are complemented by the proven practices of native yeast fermentation and extended maceration, which combine to yield exceptional results.
Beyond the core varietals for which Luna is known, they continue to expand the portfolio of award-winning wines, made truly great by their exceptional vineyard sites, their natural fermentation methods, and a minimum of intervention in the cellar. Luna Vineyards is proud to continue their founding values, giving science and creativity equal respect.
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!