More About Zialena 2019 Geyserville Cabernet Sauvignon For generations, the Mazzoni family has nurtured a deep connection to the land, meticulously cultivating grapes in California's esteemed vineyards. Now, Lisa and Mark Mazzoni, the fourth generation to carry this legacy, embark on an exciting new venture: Zialena. Zialena isn't just a winery; it's a culmination of expertise passed down through generations. Mark, a viticulturist who honed his craft at prestigious sites like Bacchus and Vino Farms, brings a masterful understanding of grape cultivation. This knowledge is further enriched by his winemaking skills, honed alongside the renowned Philippe Melka at Vineyard 29. Their commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures a deep respect for the land that nourishes their vines. Situated on a historic 120-acre estate in Alexander Valley, Zialena benefits from a truly exceptional terroir. Unique soil types, diverse microclimates, and variations in elevation all contribute to the distinctive character of their wines. Their 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to this dedication. Drinking beautifully right now, it even outperformed several Napa Cabs priced at $100 and above during our tasting. At a remarkable $36, this bottle deserves a place on every Cabernet lover's buy list. Winery Notes: "2019 as a vintage has an amazing story. The rainfall in the winter was substantial, a dry warm spring and long even temperature summer gave way to exceptional fruit quality. On the Zialena Estate we were fortunate to have our Cabernet in tank when the Kincade fire began in Alexander Valley mid-October. With no power at the winery Mark put all his wine making talent to work with the 2019 Cabernet. Mark drained each tank manually every day into a small stainless-steel tank, forklifted it over the top and drained it back over the grapes. This process is called delestage. It produces a reductive, dense, and powerful wine. It was a lot of work for Mark and John, Lisa’s husband, but the rewards are clear to taste. Coming alive with rich dark fruit, wet leaf tobacco, wet earth, cedar, and hint of violet all on the nose; this wine makes you smell it over and over. The dense palate starts with black cassis, currant, and black pepper on the mid-palate, finishing with cured black olive, graphite minerality, and subtle cigar box note on the long finish. This Cabernet’s structure leads to an amazing length on the palate now and for years to come."