There is something special about a wine that consistently outshines its peers. Steltzner's "Claret", a Napa Valley Bordeaux blend, is one of those wines. A great pour year in, year out, it is terrific because I can name dozens of more expensive Napa reds that are less enjoyable. So why does Steltzner toil away in obscurity? Alder and I wonder...The 2005 Steltzner Claret sported dark berry fruit and black pepper on the nose, some cocoa, leather, and an earthy/flinty-ness. Nice fruit, not cloying, with dusty tannins and decent acidity. A lingering finish hints at a few more years in the cave, but drinking very well today. Simple, but flawless, a great pairing with simply prepared veal medallions in a light mushroom sauce.
cork. 14.2% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: C$29 (Opimian)
PS - tasted the 2004 Steltzner Claret last year, and toured the winery in the fall of 2006.
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4 comments:
I tried this a couple years ago. Pretty good stuff. I've often been impressed with some of the lesser known Napa producers. I'd highly recommend checking out some Zhatilla zinfandels. Good stuff at a good price.
Hi Shea - I am a big fan of Steltzner and have written about them extensively. I will look for that Zhatilla when I am back in the States - thanks for the recommendation!
Cool. I just realized I mispelled the winery. It's actually Zahtila. They are in northern Napa.
thanks!
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