2003 Paraduxx

This wine holds a special place for me. My girlfriend Steph and I went to San Francisco so she could run in the NIKE Women's Marathon. Since we were in the neighborhood we ended up staying a few days traveling through Napa Valley. One of the tastings we were able to do was at the brand new Paraduxx winery where we were able to taste the 00, 01, and 02. By far the best of the three was the 01 with its rich ripe fruit. The Paraduxx was probably Steph's favorite of all the wineries we were able to go to for its fruit forward style and the experience we had at the winery. So when she was sent to Germany for work for 6 months I bought some bottles of their new release and sent one to her so that we could both have a taste of the newest vintage.
So on to the experience.
The grapes: One of the reason I love Paraduxx is the uniqueness of its blend, 63% Zinfandel, 33% Cabernet sauvignon, and 2% each of Merlot and Cab Franc. An unusual blend to be sure. The blend changes every year sometimes including some Petite Sirah. The grapes all come from Napa and specific vineyards such as Napa's Korte Vineyard or Rector Creek Vineyard in Yountville.
The Winery: Paraduxx is actually an offshoot of the great Duckhorn Winery. Duckhorn has been a big name in the Bordeaux varietals making an awesome Merlot and Cabernet. Blended as well as separate wines. In 1994 Duckhorn decided to make this Zinfandel blend and named it Paraduxx. In the fall of 2005 they opened up a separate state of the art Paraduxx winery and tasting room along the Silverado Trail in Yountville. The winery itself is a beautiful place with a wall of windows that opens up and looks out at the surrounding vineyards.
The Wine: Ahh yes the best part. The wine pours a deep dark purple in the glass, almost reminiscent of squid ink its so dark. On the nose there is a sense of raspberries, jam, hints of currants, earthy soil, and tar. In the mouth its got the fruit forwardness of a great California Zin, with the depth of a Cab. I tasted strawberries, blackberry or blue berry jam with a hint of leather and earthy vanillan undertones from the oak barrel's.
I think this is the best of the Paraduxx's I have tasted and grade it a strong A.