2020 Michael Pozzan Zinfandel Back Barn Oakville Napa Valley 750 ml

Michael Pozzan’s Back Barn Zinfandel is an endangered species in more ways than one: It’s an Oakville Zin from a $100+ neighborhood, crafted by a Wine Access fan-favorite.

Our savviest members know that Pozzan bottles California succulence and vibrancy for way below the going rate. That’s why one fan’s five-star review called the wines “an automatic case buy” and another promised to “make this my house Red.” 

It’s a miracle that Zin vines still exist in America’s most glamorous Cabernet Sauvignon AVA. Oakville growers have been ripping out Zinfandel for DECADES in favor of more-profitable Cabernet, so only the most special vines remain. 

The 2020 Pozzan Back Barn is classic Oakville Zinfandel through and through, with dark plums accompanied by lilacs and violets, accented by cardamom, cinnamon, and a hint of tobacco. The wine is pure silk on the palate, with luscious red fruit interwoven with spice and an elegant acidity. Showing a long, soft finish, it begs for another sip, and then another, until you’ve emptied the bottle in a hurry—just like we did.

Operated by Pozzan, his wife MaryAnn, and their two sons, Michael Pozzan Winery is a family affair. But their secret weapon is consulting winemaker Molly Lippitt Lyman, who has worked alongside such luminaries as Philippe Melka and Heidi Barrett and at estates like Duckhorn, Paradigm, and Moone-Tsai.

We can’t help but salute the Pozzan team. Crafting stellar Oakville Zin when they could be making FIVE times as much money on Cabernet? Ghost Block and Paradigm are the only neighbors crazy enough to do that, and we can tell from this beauty there’s a great reason these Zinfandel vines have stood the test of time.