Buena Vista Stone Caves Angel Zinfandel 2019

If you like your reds with serious oomph and are also looking for something a little bit different, this just-landed cuvée—a divine collaboration between our California expert and the talented winemaker at California’s oldest premium winery—is for you.

On her last visit to Buena Vista (experts since 1857), Clare was struck by the finesse and complexity of one Zinfandel in particular. Sourced from prime-sited vineyards across Lodi, aka Zinfandel Central, it had all the hallmarks of fantastic Zin: depth, spice, intensity. But suddenly, inspiration struck winemaker Brian Maloney.

“What if we really turned the flavor dial up?” he asked Clare. Knowing how popular our big reds are with customers, Clare wisely said yes. Going on instinct, Brian added inky-dark, blueberry-packed Petite Sirah and a splash of luscious Angelica (a special and pricey fortified wine made from the Mission grape, which was brought to California hundreds of years ago by Franciscan monks).

Brian’s revelation paid off big at the San Francisco International Competition, where the 2019 edition took home a coveted gold medal. This release bursts with vibrant, black-fruit aromas, plus hints of coffee, chocolate and crème brûlée. On the palate, it’s totally succulent and rich, with juicy, black- and blue-fruit flavors. Gentle mocha spice frames the long, velvety-smooth finish.

Is Brian Maloney the angel of big red lovers everywhere? Probably. But he didn’t make very much of Angel Z—so order your share now, before some other devil beats you to it.