NAPA, CA—Driving the Silverado Trail through the heart of Napa Valley, travelers are sure to notice the entrance to ZD Wines. A two-ton boulder, from one of their mountain vineyards, is adorned by the winery’s striking gold logo. The photo below is by my dear friend and photographer Robert Holmes. The rest are from me. :-)

The tasting room is somewhat set down below the highway and so the boulder really helps to mark the location.

Right beside the front door you’ll see the fountain that’s been there for as long as I can remember. There’s something so soothing about the gurgling sound of water…

I stopped in early one chilly morning last week to find a welcoming “real” wood fire in the fireplace. It was misty outside as a cold front was approaching and so this was a real treat. My first priority was to target the heat from the flames against my backside. Real fires can be infrequent, even during the winter months. Bay Area air quality officials often call for “spare-the-air” days which restrict burning of all kinds.

I was promptly greeted by Jorge who was gracious and well versed in the ZD line up.

They have two levels of tasting. Below are their current offerings which are due to change soon in February, 2012. Their 2009 Cabs are coming. The 2008’s are nearly gone. There are less than 40 cases left!

CURRENT WINES - $10 for a one ounce sample of each of these 4 wines.

2010 Rosa Lee Pinot Grigio (only available through the winery). This vibrant Pinot Grigio is from the Carneros region. (490 Cases produced.)

2010 Chardonnay, California. Their flagship wine… A wonderful Chardonnay with a long finish and imbued with delightful vanilla flavors and a bright natural acidity which stayed with me… As their hospitality staff is fond of saying: “It’s their bread & butter (without the butter.)”

2010 Pinot Noir, Carneros. (90 points in Wine Enthusiast). It’s drinking very well now and will age for many years to come.

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.  This 2008 vintage marked ZD’s 40th harvest. One thing about this winery is that they are extremely consistent. This family winery is all about quality and you simply can’t go wrong with any of their offerings.

PREMIERE WINES - $15 for a one ounce sample of each of these wines.

2009 “Rosa Lee” Barbera (only available through the winery)
(490 Cases produced.)

2009 Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros.
An absolutely symphony of delicate fruit. Mid-palate was where it all came together for me. Just super! I wish I had a glass beside be right now while writing this! 

2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of their best Napa Valley lots. Do not miss this one. I often find that it’s well worth the splurge to taste the “Premiere Wines”.

 My glass of the Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros. Ahhh!!! Heavenly!

Owned and operated by the deLeuze Family for more than four decades, ZD Wines is a true family business. Founders Norman and Rosa Lee’s three children are currently at the helm. The third generation now is also now part of the team.

I know several of these terrific folks and feel good supporting “good people”. I hope that many of you feel the same way.