2003 Schrader Vieux-Os Zinfandel Hell Hole Vineyard Old Vine
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Tasting notes
The finest of this trio is the 2003 Vieux-Os Zinfandel Hell Hole Vineyard, a 16.3% alcohol Zinfandel from 60-year-old vines that yielded only one half-ton of fruit per acre. Aged in French oak, this is a limited production cuvee boasting superb richness along with kirsch liqueur, peppery, spicy garrigue notes reminiscent of a Chateauneuf du Pape. This wine should drink well for 5-6 years. Tel. (707) 942-1115
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(16.4% alcohol) Medium ruby-red, a bit less saturated than the Ira Carter. Peppery red berries and kirsch on the nose. Chewy, dense and saline, with rather exotic dry port flavors and a note of banana. Tastes like a very ripe grenache from the south of France A thick, porty wine that's just this side of cooked. Finishes with major, building tannins. These 2003s seem a bit stunted by the bottling, which took place about ten days prior to my tasting.
About the producer
Schrader Cellars is one of Napa’s cult names. It focuses on pairing specific clones with the perfect site to produce the ultimate expression of Napa Cabernet. The results regularly receive the very highest scores from critics, with 19 100-point scores from the Wine Advocate to date.