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Deservedly or not, California Zinfandel has a reputation for bigger-is-better. But Joel Gott’s Zinfandel is well-behaved and restrained, more "claret" than fruit bomb. Food-friendly and affordable, it delights with bright berry flavors and brambly spiciness without excessive alcohol. Old, head-trained vineyards in Amador County and Lodi supplied most of the fruit, with the rest coming from Sonoma County. The stony soils of Lodi’s Borden Ranch AVA give the wine structure and concentration, while the Sonoma terroir brings out the forward dark and red fruit. Most of the wine is aged in older French oak barrels in order to keep the purity of Zin fruit flavors, but 20% new American oak adds depth with notes of spicy vanilla. Joel Gott recommends trying this wine with pulled pork, cheeseburgers, or grilled chicken.
Joel Gott Wines is based in the Napa Valley but produces Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and other wines from select vineyards throughout California, Oregon and Washington. The philosophy behind the operation is to blend grapes from a wide range of sources in order to provide complex, balanced and flavorful wines at affordable prices.
Growing up in a family that had been in the Napa Valley wine business for several generations, it was natural that Joel Gott would eventually enter the local trade. But he didn’t follow the usual route by, say, attending UC Davis or by inheriting the family business. While in his twenties, Gott and his brother operated the Palisades Food Market in Calistoga, which they turned into a successful purveyor of prepared gourmet foods. During this time Gott noticed growing demand for quality wines with a low price point. In 1996 Joel Gott and his winemaker girlfriend (soon wife) made an Amador County Zinfandel that received rave reviews. Energized by success, they went on to produce California appellation Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. From the start, they realized they could produce more interesting wines by blending grapes from a variety of sources and appellations instead of trying to make single vineyard wines. Rather than build an expensive winery or purchase a vineyard, they have focused on maintaining excellent relations with growers, purchasing grapes at low prices and using custom crush facilities in order to keep the prices of their wines as low as possible.
Today the wines in Gott’s portfolio include California Zinfandel, California 815 Cabernet, California Sauvignon Blanc, Monterey Chardonnay, and Washington Riesling. In 2005 the 815 California Cabernet Sauvignon won a Food & Wine American Wine Award, and in 2007, the California Zinfandel did as well. As the owner of the popular gourmet hamburger stand, Gott’s Roadside, as well as a partner in Three Thieves Wine, Joel Gott is making his mark as a younger generation Napa Valley entrepreneur. At the same time, Joel Gott Wines continues to grow and receive accolades for delivering a great product at a value price point.
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Appellation(s) | California |
| Winery | Joel Gott |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Color | Red |
| Varietal(s) | Zinfandel 97%, Petite Sirah 3% |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Bottle Size | 8.0 x 30.0 |
| Case Size | 34.5 x 26.0 x 30.5 |
| Alcohol | 14.4% |
| Product Code | JG19ZN |
| UPC | 188985000120 |
The nose has blackberries, red currants and plum with notes of vanilla, while the palate offers bright fruit flavors, velvety tannins, and hints of spice on the finish.
100% Zinfandel was fermented in stainless steel and aged in 80% two-year-old French oak and 20% new American oak barrels.