At 14–18 years from vintage, expect dried blackcurrant, dark cherry, cedar, tobacco, leather, and earthy notes with softened, integrated tannins. The 2007 Napa vintage was excellent and age-worthy; 2009 was solid; 2010 was cool and elegant; 2011 was cooler still and produced more restrained wines. All four are drinking in mature windows.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Region
- USA / California / Napa Valley
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, oak-aged, age-worthy, library release
The producer
ZD Wines was founded in 1969 by Norman deLeuze and Gino Zepponi (the "Z" and "D"), and is a third-generation family-owned Napa winery known for traditional, structured Cabernets. Library releases are wines held back at the winery for extended bottle aging before release.
What critics say
ZD Cabernets receive consistently solid reviews; library bottlings are valued by collectors for their proven aging trajectory.
Pairing
Slow-roasted lamb, ribeye with rosemary, mushroom-forward dishes