Secret Napa Wines
2005 Charter Oak Winery, Zinfandel, Napa Valley
St. Helena, Napa Valley
 Source: SNW
Reviewer: Tony & Miles
Reviewed: 02-27-07
Rating: 93 points
Maturity: Drink 2007-2010
The 2005 Charter Oak Winery, Napa Valley Zinfndel, is a great representation of the varietal. Rob Fanucci makes the wine, based on techniques that he learned from his grandfather. Rob learned well as this zinfandel is a rich, lush, jammy wine that feels great on the tounge and is a pleasure to drink.
Once opened, the wine is a deep reddish purple in the glass. The nose reflects dark and red berries, and raspberry jam. Once in the glass, the alcohol (15%) dissipates quickly, and the wine coats the sides of the glass.
After only 5 minutes, the wine showed it’s depth on the tongue, with tastes of juicy berries, that finishes with a long follow and subtle notes of vanilla and oak, without overwhelming the finish of the fruit.
After the wine had been opened 15 minutes, it began to really open, showing the traditional zinfandel characteristics of sweet, dense, black fruits and a long rich follow. Each minute it remained open resulted in more and more smoothness, until the wine reached its ultimate balance and harmony. It covered my tongue from front to back, and had a long, silky finish.
This is a wine that will be perfect in the springtime with burgers and barbeque. It is extremely easy to drink and draws you in with its understated smoothness and balance. The wine will get better for the next few years, but frankly, it is a wine that is ready to enjoy now.
Only 500 cases of this wine were produced, and it is clearly one of those wines you want to have around to share with your family and friends.
We rate the Charter Oak Napa Valley Zinfandel 93 points. This wine retails for $45.00 a bottle and is well worth the price. SNW members receive a 10% discount, reducing the cost to $40.50 per bottle.
To order the wine, call Rob Fanucci at 707-963-2298 and let him know that you are a Secret Napa Wines member.
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