Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The December Zinfandel of the Month is the 2016 Mike & Molly Hendry Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard.
In 1939, Mike’s grandparents purchased 120 acres of farmland at the base of Mount Veeder in Napa. This property remains in the Hendry family today and is now recognized as the Hendry Ranch Vineyard and Winery. Molly grew up in Orinda, CA and often traveled to Napa with her family to spend time on her aunt Denise and uncle Bill (R.W.) Moore’s vineyard. Shortly after Mike and Molly married in June of 2009 they purchased five tons of grapes from Bill’s vineyard. In September of 2009, they crushed their first vintage of Mike & Molly Hendry Zinfandel.
R.W. Moore Vineyard is situated in the Coombsville AVA of Napa Valley. The vineyard was planted in 1905 and is predominantly Zinfandel but like most vineyards from this era other varieties including Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mourvedre can be found here.
I chose this wine as the Zinfandel of the Month as I long enjoyed the Turley “earthquake” Zins from R.W. Moore Vineyard and I have also been a fan of the various Hendry Zins.
Purple in color. 15.5% ABV. Stunning nose of black fruits, baking spices, earth and pepper. Full bodied with tremendous acidity. Exceptional balance. Plush, rich and modern in style. Black cherry, raspberry liqueur, vanilla bean and pepper on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. Really fantastic Zinfandel that drinks well now but will shine with a few more years in the cellar. Best over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Mike & Molly Hendry Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard can be bought via the winery website and at retail. The 2017 vintage is currently available for $40. So many reasons to like what is happening here and certainly a winery I will continue to follow in the years to come.