ZD Wines: A New Perspective!
Just the other day I was doing some “heavy” lifting, picking up some orders I had placed on line for wine at properties in Napa Valley. It was a tough day, yes; but someone has to do it! I drove up Spring Mountain to Pride and to Spottswoode in St. Helena. With all that work, I knew I needed a tasting. It was that time of the day!
ZD Wines came into sight as I came northbound on the Silverado Trail. As my memory served me, it was a winery that did not require an appointment; so I pulled right on in. Upon walking into the tasting room, it was clear a lot had changed since my last visit. The front tasting area was now expansive with an open glass wall to the barrel room. The entire area was modern with a bar to the side. Real renovation had taken hold.
I was welcomed and my visit started with a lovely Chardonnay in hand. This wine had always been one of my favorites of their portfolio. My tour guide escorted me upstairs to the open patio area with stops along the hallway at various pictures which depicted the winery’s history. ZD is family owned and operated for the last 30 years, by three generations of the deLeuze family. This is a remarkable accomplishment on its own and is a quaint aspect of the beauty of the Napa Valley.
The open patio seating area in the afternoon sun was gorgeous. The expanse of vineyards looking out to the west set a perfect view to enjoy the wines. This renovation that opened up the patio space took place just three years ago. Seated, looking out over the vineyard, I enjoyed two Chardonnays, a Pinot Noir (which was an homage to their founding father), a new venture of Grenache, and the current Cabernet release. You can add to your taste and beautiful view time with an additional pour of their Cabernet Reserve. This, in my estimation, is a perfect setting to enjoy the beauty and the wine of Napa Valley.
ZD was a pleasant surprise and exceeded my past expectations. Kudos to the deLeuze family for making the changes. Their wines have graced the tables of three presidents since the beginning, and this may be the opportunity to have them grace yours.
Enjoy!