It’s A Zin Thing

A tasting with the Mondavi sisters, where the whole story isn’t all what it seems.

The Mondavi family name is synonymous with Napa Valley.  

And I can’t think of a more fitting way to commence “California Wine Month” than with the Mondavi Sisters.  These gals are making quite a mark for this generation of Mondavi’s.

Recently, we had the chance to sit down with Alycia Mondavi and taste through the current releases of Aloft and Dark Matter labels.  Let me tell you, there is a reason I am a long-time fan of their wines.  And, what a treat it is to taste with one of the four sisters!  

Although their grapes are coming from Howell Mountain and Pope Valley, tastings are currently hosted at the fabulous Brasswood Cellars in St Helena by one of the four sisters.  Alycia and the rest of the crew are down to earth, interesting, and full of great stories!

Now, for the wines!

Aloft Chenin Blanc 2020, Napa Valley ~ Since their grandfather is tied to introducing Chenin Blanc to California and for developing the cold fermentation process for white wines, it is only fitting that the sisters produce their own Chenin Blanc as a nod to their grandfather’s accomplishments.  With less than 10 acres of Chenin Blanc vines still planted in Napa Valley, these 77 year old beauties are producing some alluring and complex fruit.  And wow, it’s a true pleasure to taste the newly released 2020 vintage!  With notes of peaches, honeysuckle, lemon peel, lemon chiffon, and a chalky minerality, the mouthwatering acidity keeps you coming back for more of this historic and hard to find variety in Napa Valley.  

Dark Matter Zinfandel 2015, Howell Mountain ~ Just when you think it can’t get any better, the Dark Matter Zinfandel hailing from Howell Mountain just oozes complexity unlike many other Zins I’ve tasted.  The 2015 (which is their current release after spending four years in new French oak and two years in the bottle prior to release) was showing so well with layered notes that kept leaping from the glass with every whiff ~ dark and bright cherry, chocolate, cigar, blackberry, prunes, and violets with a savory hint of tapenade and finish of vanilla extract. This isn’t your jammy style of Zinfandel. The mountain fruit maintains a level of acidity and structure to make this Zinfandel pair perfectly with BBQ ribs.

Aloft Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Howell Mountain ~ There is a reason Howell Mountain is on the top of so many Napa wine enthusiasts lists. The fruit is bold but exhibits an elegance that is harder to find on the valley floor. This Cabernet, like many of the 2016’s, is firing on all cylinders right now! Floral aromas turn into black and blue fruits with a lovely hint of cedar and coffee. Like most mountain Cabs, this will continue to evolve for several years.

Dark Matter Limitless 2017, Howell Mountain ~ Coming from Rocky Ridge Vineyard sitting at 1,700 ft, this is a massively concentrated mountain Cabernet! However, once it has time to open up, you are greeted with stunning aromas of spices, like tobacco leaf, cigars and cloves, cedar, blackberries, and coffee. This is one I can see aging more like a Bordeaux. I can’t wait to taste it again in 5 years!

Tasting details ~

Brasswood Estate ~ They offer several experiences from an introductory tasting (like we did) to an elevated lunch tasting complete with chef pairings alongside the current releases, a caviar pairing, and dessert with a library vintage.

Taste with the Mondavi Sisters

Cheers wine lovers! ~ Mindy