2016 Lily Hill Magnum

Variety: 96% zinfandel 4% petite sirah

Appellation: Dry Creek Valley

Sensory Notes: This is a beautifully structured expression of Dry Creek Valley zinfandel with alluring aromas of ripe strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, cinnamon and baking spices. The luxurious, bright fruit continues on the broad, mouth-filling palate, gliding to a long, silky finish with hints of clove and forest floor. 

Vineyard Notes: Lily Hill Vineyard has become synonymous with zinfandels of elegance and substance. From the first plantings in 1915 to the blocks planted in 2001, this majestic hillside vineyard benefits from cooler nights and warmer days.

Cellar Recommendations: Enjoy this wine through 2025. 

Wine Review Online
“This estate site contains 8 blocks of Zinfandel with different ages, oldest 95 years or so, and Winemaker Joe Healy utilized eight different coopers of French, Hungarian and American oak, typically toasted to medium-plus.  A bright mix of red berries, spice, mixed peppercorns on the nose and in the mouth, delivered with power on the palate, but without overweight tendencies. 14.7 Alcohol, great tannin structure and a long finish that is just starting to unwind. Great juice!” 94 Points
-Rich Cook, December 2018

Wine Enthusiast
“This full-bodied wine tastes alive and fresh, showing an abundance of fruit flavors, fine concentration and very good balance. Strawberry and raspberry notes are supported by deeper blackberry flavors, moderate tannins and good acidity for a grippy mouthfeel.” 93 Points: Excellent; highly recommended
-Jim Gordon, February 2019

Jeb Dunnuck
“A blend of 96% Zinfandel and 4% Petite Sirah, the 2016 Zinfandel Lily Hill Estate comes from a site in the Dry Creek Valley and was brought up in a combination of French and Hungarian oak. Classic spiced red plums, incense, brambly herbs, and cedar notes all give way to a medium-bodied, elegant red that has nicely integrated acidity, ripe tannins, and a sexy yet elegant style that's going to evolve for over a decade. It's easily the most elegant and vibrant in the lineup, and is a beautiful wine.” 92+ Points
- July 2019

Connoisseurs' Guide
“Every bit as big, bold and ripe as the other Zinfandels in Bella’s latest collection, this densely packed offering is slightly sturdier in build and is underpinned by more obvious tannin. It trades sophistication for rustic richness but is absolutely loaded with extracted, oak-enriched, dark berry fruit and, if perhaps never a wine of politeness and polish, it will be far less unruly once a few years have passed and has the stamina to keep going for many more after that.” 90 Points
- July 2019