Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Heritage Vines Zinfandel captivates with aromas of black cherry, plum and ripe blueberry, layered with hints of pepper, baking spices and cocoa powder. The palate unfolds with vibrant cranberry and blackberry pie, revealing complexity through bright acidity and deeper undertones of espresso, fine leather and cedar. From the first sip to the lingering finish, this exceptional wine delivers refreshing energy and impeccable structure.
Blend: 81% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Sirah, 1% Carignane
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Sweet perfume leads the 2022 Zinfandel Heritage Vines, which has a youthful ruby/magenta color and reveals aromas of blackberry preserve, apricot, candied flowers, and vanilla bean. Full-bodied, it has a rounder feel on the palate, with a light creaminess of texture, but it cleans off the palate with fresh acidity and a mouthwatering finish that includes notes of dark chocolate.
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Wine Spectator
This zesty and briary Zin is vibrant with cherry and wild berry flavors framed by grilled anise and green peppercorn accents. Finishes with lively tannins. Drink now through 2032. 12,269 cases made.
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.
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.