Once & Future Teldeschi Vineyard Frank's Block Zinfandel 2017
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Guide
Connoisseurs' -
Spectator
Wine -
Parker
Robert
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Once & Future is the latest project from Zinfandel master, Joel Peterson, and this altogether stunning effort continues the remarkable successes he achieved with grapes from the Teldeschi Vineyard in his years at the helm of Ravenswood. The wine is nothing less than classic in its deep and wonderfully articulate varietal fruit, and, although still very young and not half as expressive as it will be with age, it already teases with layered complexity from first sniff to finish. It is big shows an early streak of slight sweetness yet drifts to dryness and evident heat at the end. It avoids the heaviness that comes with wines of its very ripe persuasion thanks to its welcome acidity, but it is not a wine for the long haul and looks to be at its best over the next couple of years.
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Wine Spectator
Expressive and refined, with a subtly complex core of raspberry, toasted sage and black pepper flavors that builds richness toward well-heeled tannins. Drink now through 2026.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Zinfandel Teldeschi Vineyard Frank’s Block comes from a mixed block of vines planted in 1904 to about 80% Zinfandel with equal parts Alicante and old-vine Carignan. The grapes were harvested on August 31, co-fermented and aged in 35% new French oak. Medium to deep ruby, it has a nose of grilled peaches, warm blueberries, prosciutto, dusty earth, autumn leaves and floral potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied and elegantly restrained with perfumed fruits, a gently grainy frame and great freshness, finishing very long. This merits another couple of years in bottle. 252 cases were made. Rating: 92+
Other Vintages
2020- Vinous
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.