Joel Gott Dillian Ranch Amador County Zinfandel 2007

Joel Gott has been making Dillian Ranch Zinfandel to great acclaim since 1996, but there has been no better effort from this outstanding vineyard than the majestic 2007 Dillian Ranch Zinfandel. Rich in robe and endowed with the heavenly scents of blackberry, wild cherry, bramble and sassafras, one could almost be satisfied by merely sniffing this delectable potion. But alas, that would be only half the pleasure. On the palate, this packed, full-throttle Zinfandel offers up even more of the savor found in its stunning olfactory along with a mélange of black fruits, herb, and sweet vanilla tones. Framed by sweet, ripe tannins, the 2007 Dillian Ranch Zinfandel can rightly claim its place as an American classic. We suggest a few minutes of aeration prior to consumption at cool room temperature (62º-66º F). Enjoy!

As an American classic the 2007 Joel Gott Dillian Ranch Zinfandel is the ideal companion to serve with great American fare. So whether it is turkey and stuffing with all the trimmings, t-bone steaks, or Texas Barbecue, this flavorful Zinfandel will not disappoint. Roast loin of pork, with onion and sage dressing; spare ribs; or the best burgers around (may we suggest Taylor’s Refresher in Napa?), Joel Gott’s Dillian Ranch aims to please. We also enjoy this quintessential Zinfandel with ripe cow’s milk cheeses and unadorned, meaning all by itself. It is terrific on its own, especially after a big meal . . . but as you like it!

Although still on the shy side of 40, Joel Gott has become a legend in wine circles. The offspring of fourth generation California winemakers, Gott was riding a tractor at his family’s farm at 4 years of age and has been involved in numerous wine and food enterprises since he was a teenager. Gott also ran the now famous Taylor’s Refresher drive up restaurant in Napa when noted wine critic Robert Parker Jr. named this eatery as the source of one his top ten meals of 1999, and in 2006 Taylor’s was honored with a James Beard Foundation Award. But these accolades are just the tip of the iceberg, or perhaps more appropriately in Gott’s case, the skin of the grape. Gott has been making knock-out wines for more than fifteen years. A partner in several successful and highly acclaimed wine ventures, his most notable success remains the production of bodacious Zinfandels at the Joel Gott Winery. Each year Gott produces a host of wines in small lots at his winery, but the most outstanding offering is always his Dillian Ranch Amador County Zinfandel from Tom Dillian’s dry-farmed 20 acre vineyard in Plymouth, California. The Dillian Ranch vineyard is located in the hills of “Gold Rush Country.” Planted between 1920 and 1948, Dillian Ranch is a shy bearing vineyard that produces as little as three quarters of a ton of fruit per acre and one of California’s most memorable Zinfandels. In addition to fashioning tiny quantities of Dillian Ranch Zinfandel, Joel Gott has made a name for himself among consumers for a bevy of high quality affordable California varietals, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and of course Zinfandel.