By Vineyard 29
2021 Aida Estate Zinfandel

Vineyard
Our Aida Estate Vineyard has confirmed our initial belief that this site would be the ideal location for growing Bordeaux varietals as well as Zinfandel. Just north of the pinch in the hourglass of the Napa Valley, the Zinfandel grapes from our Aida Estate provide the bold, structured backbone for this immensely enjoyable wine.

Vintage
From the very first days of harvest, we knew the 2021 vintage was a stellar one. The 2021 growing season began a week or two later than typical due to a colder-than-average February and March. A few spring showers helped the vines along, and the summer growing season was exceptionally good. The consistent weather, beautiful skies, and ideal ripening conditions facilitated a slow, steady accumulation of sugar alongside excellent tannin development. Harvest was smooth and steady, and while yields were lower than average, the grapes were concentrated and flavorful. Evocative of the 2016 and 2013 vintages, yet with exceptional qualities of this vintage, the 2021 Aida Estate wines are delicious upon release while still supremely cellar-worthy.

Wine Details
Vineyard: 100% Aida Estate Vineyard
Blend: 85% Zinfandel (48-year-old dry-farmed vines), 15% Petite Sirah
Harvest Date: September 3, 2021
Barrel Age: 20 months in 100% French 500L puncheons; 100% new oak
Cooperage: Ermitage, Saury
Bottling Date: June 7, 2023
Alcohol: 14.90%
Release Date: Winter 2024

Tasting Notes
Lively and expressive, the 2021 Aida Estate Zinfandel presents itself as a beautiful jewel in the glass. On the nose, aromatic brambly blackberry, cedar, and fresh tobacco leaf are adorned by exotic fragrances of sandalwood, cardamom, and ethereal white flowers. Mexican cocoa and blueberry cobbler fill out every inch of the palate, which takes on a creamy, almost yogurt-like texture. Offering the best of both worlds, this wine is vibrant and youthful upon release while still being structured for aging.
[Information provided by Vineyard 29]

Wine: 2021 Vineyard 29 Zinfandel Aida Estate
Score/Rating: 95
Suggested Drinking Window: 2023 - 2035
Review Date: 12/26/2023
Reviewed By: Jeb Dunnuck
Tasting Notes: Blueberries, wild strawberries, cedary herbs, and candied flower notes all emerge from Vineyard 29's 2021 Zinfandel Aida Estate, a pure, medium to full-bodied, seamless Zinfandel with integrated tannins and a balanced, layered, lengthy style on the palate. I like it today, yet it has another 10-12 years of prime drinking ahead of it.

Wine: Vineyard 29 2021 Zinfandel Aida Estate
Score/Rating: 94
Suggested Drinking Window: 2023 - 2031
Review Date: 12/2023
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni
Tasting Notes: The 2021 Zinfandel Aida Estate is a potent, heady wine. The more exuberant side of Zinfandel is on display here in a wine that comes across as a sort of blend of Zinfandel and Cabernet, likely because of a dollop of Petite Sirah that adds intensity and darkness. This dark, voluptuous Zinfandel offers tons of appeal. Aging in 500L barrels works beautifully here.