Dear Friends,
You might know that many wineries and vineyards were lost in the 2020 fire, but one winery is very dear to my heart. It has been family owned for almost 100 years, and the vineyard is still tended to by the same family members (i.e. Vince Tofanelli) Sadly, the property burned down in 2020 – see video/link — (https://abc7news.com/glass-fire-calistoga-home-destroyed-napa-county-calistoga-properties-by/6725689/
Vince Tofanelli grew up in an Italian family – LOTS of food and WINE! His grandfather introduced him at a very young age to wine (he would pour a little vino in his water), and that led to an early introduction, and later education as winemaker crafting great wines and tending to this amazing vineyard. The historical vineyard stands as one of the last examples of pre-World War II grape growing. The methods Vince still uses were once prevalent throughout the valley; no irrigation (not even a drip line to be seen, with an organic philosophy – he never jumped on the ‘bandwagon’ of post-war pesticides).
Tofanelli 2017 Zinfandel “Estate” Calistoga, Napa
GGWC 49.99
FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use code TOFANELLI during checkout
Partial good news… 2017, 2018 and 2019 were stored off-site so we have some to sell, so let’s help Vince and his family!! Beautiful blue fruits, white flowers, and graphite notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied red that has fabulous elegance and class. With fine tannins and terrific balance, it’s a great wine, and I suspect it will keep for over a decade.
Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points: “Coming from vines in Calistoga and a blend of 90% Zinfandel, 6% Petite Sirah, and 4% Grenache, the 2017 Zinfandel Tofanelli Family Vineyard boasts a big, boisterous bouquet of wild strawberries, dried flowers, cedarwood, and spice. These carry to a medium-bodied, elegant Zinfandel that has terrific balance, light tannins, and a silky texture. Made in a more elegant, lightly textured yet beautifully balanced style, drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years or so.”
Click here or on the links above to order!
Call 415-337-4083 or email frank@goldengatewinecellars.com for availability and priority allocation