This wine is sourced from the Holleman Vineyard near San Andreas California, which lies a few miles northwest of Murphys in California. John and Nancy Holleman planted 2.5 acres of Zinfandel in 1998, and it has been the source of “Big John” since 2001. Winemaker Scott Klann always makes sure that the wine lives up to its name. The 2018 shows deep mixed berry fruit, gentle black pepper and lively oak spice that balances the fruit load beautifully. It’s a striking alternative in style to the winery’s other Zinfandel offerings, and a solid winner. It is certainly a fitting tribute to Big John Holleman, who passed away recently at age 88. Here’s to the man Scott calls “one of the good guys."
Newsome Harlow, Calaveras County (California) Zinfandel 2018
By Rich Cook