2013 Napa Cab best vintage ever? But what about zinfandel?

WINE TALK
1

So, 2013 has been decided by some to be the best vintage since the beginning of time for Napa Cabernet. But what about the rest of the california varietals from other areas? Specifically, for me, zinfandel. I am drinking the 2013 Turley Zinfandel and i am giving it a 96. Looking at the past five or six vintages I have consistantly given the Pesenti 90-94.

But WOW, 2013. So is a great vintage for Cabernet in Napa indicative of other varietals in surrounding areas being great?

2

According to the Rivers Marie newsletter on their website, the 2014 Pinots (I think they are all Sonoma ) are better than the 2013. But I think it is way too early to make declarations about the last few years vintages.

3

Mr T-egan Passalacqua said 2013 was super special for Zinfandels. Most winemaker notes seem to indicate that the vintage is an ager.

4

Starting from 2007 and neglecting 2011, it seems every Napa vintage is better than the previous…this cannot be true. Why? Because I do not have the cellar room to go long on another vintage!!

Is 2013 the one? Should I sell a vehicle? Donate a kidney? If so, the 2014 better suck because I need the remaining kidney, thank you! pileon

5

All of the '13 Zins I have had have been exceptional, specifically Turley. The '13 Black Chicken from Biale is a bit zesty, differnet from previous vintages and the first vintage for their new winemaker so that may have something to do with it; I do think it will age well.

I also had a '13 Biale Royal Punishers Petite Sirah that was extremely exceptional. I enjoyed it at a very high level; similar to the '09.

I’ve also gone in on the '13 Carlisle Sonoma County and am kicking myself for not going deeper. These drink easy and I could have easily done a case.

'13 Monte Ross from Bedrock with an hour decant just sings.

I’m not very patient as you can see from above; I’m hoping to have some restraint to see how some of these change in the next few years.

6

You’re right, David - you are impatient. [cheers.gif] I have not popped open any 2013 Zins yet. As for 2013 cabs, there are many I have not even received yet (and some 2012s)!

7

…but … but… I heard 2014 was the BESTEST vintage EVER!

… and I’m sure 2015 will be too! [rofl.gif]

The US equivalent to the Black Rooster? [snort.gif]

8

I love the Carlisle Sonoma County Zin 2013.
I passed on the Biale this year, as the next release of the Gaudi Carli Barbera Napa Valley will be unavailable until the 2017 release, IIRC…

9

2013 looks to be an excellent vintage for Zinfandel. Great combination of ripeness, acids and structure. The suitable bottlings will age well, too.

10

Agree that 2013 is a special vintage for Zinfandel. The ones that I have tried from Ridge, Carlisle, Turley and Rafanelli have all been excellent. I think they will age quite well, too.

Thanks,
Ed