Canard Zinfandel RESERVE
The History
Situated on the Northwest corner of Dunaweal Lane and the Silverado Trail in Calistoga, the twenty-five acre property is considered a historic vineyard in Napa Valley. The estate was the original homestead of Reason P. Tucker, who gained notoriety for leading the efforts to rescue the survivors of the ill-fated Donnor Party. The residence at Canard was built in 1859 and quickly became the center of social activity in the area during the late 1800’s. Zinfandel was planted over 135 years ago and remarkably those dry farmed vines still stand, yielding a small quantity of incredibly elegant fruit, which goes into our highly coveted Estate and Estate Reserve Zinfandel. Over the years, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and, of course Cabernet Sauvignon were planted and have been meticulously cared for using painstaking but extremely effective vineyard practices. Creating wine at this level demands a great deal of discernment and sacrifice and most of it takes place in the vineyard. The result is the culmination of what man and nature can do when they work together in harmony.
The Grape
100% Zinfandel
Tasting Note
These incredibly unique vines may only yield a small amount of grapes,
but what they do yield is unlike anything in existence in Na pa Valley. This
elegant expression of Zinfandel spends two years in new French oak and
another year in the bottle before it is released. On the nose, blackberries,
figs and hints of sweet vanilla. Black sapote (or chocolate pudding fruit)
mingle with red raspberries and dominate the palate. The rich and full
bodied mouthfeel gives way to an elegant tannin structure, exotic spice
and a long, smooth finish. Truly a very special wine.