Zeitgeist Rafael Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Knoll District 2019

Zeitgeist Cellars is a brilliant collaboration between husband-and-wife winemaking team, Mark Porembski (Anomaly & Unwritten, formerly of Far Niente and Araujo Estate) and Jennifer Williams (Arrow & Branch, formerly of Spottswoode). First founded in 2005 by Mark, who was joined shortly after by Jennifer, Zeitgeist Cellars makes roughly 1,000 cases of wine per year, all offered at great price points while not missing a beat on quality.  To make this work, the dynamic duo does nearly every step themselves — from working hands-on in the vineyards with the farmers to processing the fruit by hand, overseeing the entire fermentation process, then blending and bottling with very little help from others — their story is an inspiration, and their wines confirm the talent of their craft. And if making their wines and consulting for several small premium Napa Valley-based wineries isn’t enough, they are raising three daughters at home. With three kids and full-time responsibilities at their day jobs, how this rock-star winemaking couple finds the time to craft these gorgeous Zeitgeist wines is beyond us!

While the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from Rafael is a debut for the brand, the vines at Rafael Vineyard are far from new and the most mature vines in the Zeitgeist portfolio. Georg and Rosie Rafael planted their 25 acres in 1982 after emigrating from France and working decades in the hotel industry.    The vines undulate over rolling hills in southwestern Napa, and at the highest point of the vineyard, one can see the valley down to San Pablo Bay.   The bay’s breezes and late-morning fog provide cooler summer temperatures and a longer growing season. The grapes experience ideal conditions for ripening and showcase balanced acidity and concentration of flavor due to their age.

Mark & Jennifer produced only 2 barrels of their Rafael 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.    After fermentation, the wine aged for 22 months in 50% new oak, one brand new Taransaud barrel, and one once-used Darnajou barrel. It is full-bodied and rich, with soft, silky tannins and balanced acidity. Dark fruits overwhelm the aromas and flaunt the concentration of flavor with underpinnings of dried sage and graphite. Cash in quick on this 2019 debut Cab from Zeitgeist, as with only 50 cases produced, it won’t last for long.