Winemaker Notes
Eight Spur Zinfandel displays loads of bright strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry flavors with hints of cinnamon, tobacco leaf and vanilla. Medium-full bodied with balanced acidity, and fine-grained tannins, the finish is opulent and long.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A ripe, dense and powerful wine with gorgeous blackberry and dried blueberry flavors on a substantial, firmly tannic texture. This is classic Dry Creek zin style, very structured and very ripe at the same time. No hurry to drink this full-bodied beauty.
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Tasting Panel
Black-peppered blueberry and Devil’s food Cake may seem to come off as blockbuster notes, but this well-balanced Zinfandel reins in the power to impart a juicy, savory profile. Tobacco, soy sauce, jalapeño, and bacon fat maintains this class act.
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Wine Enthusiast
Bright, lively raspberry, licorice and lemon zest aromas pop on the nose of this Zin. The palate gives more intense berry flavors, with a thread of candied citrus acidity, spice and purple flowers ebbing and flowing along the finish.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.