Reviews & Ratings

2017 Lava Cap Zinfandel "Reserve"

Winery: Lava Cap

Vintage: 2017

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Reserve"

Wine Category: Zinfandel

Grape blend: 90% Zinfandel & 10% Primitivo

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: El Dorado

State or country: CA

Price: $25

Cases produced: 1,200

KWG Score: 92.3 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: September 22, 2020

Wine Review: This pale garnet colored Zinfandel from Lava Cap was well-received by the Tasting Panel. It opens with a plum and cola bouquet with hints of violets, pencil lead and clove. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, nicely balanced and smooth. The flavor profile is a tasty mild plum and cola blend with notes of black pepper, anise and gentle oak. We also picked up a dash of oregano. The finish is dry and its flavors and integrated soft tannins lingered for a while. The Panel suggested pairing this very good Zin with pork tenderloin or venison steaks. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: Our Zinfandel does not follow the typical stylistic profile of California Zins. Our Zin is elegant yet rich with bold white pepper and spice, the smooth fruit component on the finish has flavors of cherry, blackberry, and an amazing cranberry note laced into the very end. We barrel aged this wine for 20 months in 2nd fill American and French oak, balancing the full-bodied fruit with a toasty wood backbone that helps hold the flavors up through the finish. The Lava Cap Zinfandel is happy with rich flavorful cheese or with a decadent burger dripping with blue cheese and sautéed onions.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Lava Cap 2017 Reserve Zinfandel.