Wilson Winery Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2018
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Bright aromatics of black raspberry and blackberry fuse with spicy pepper. The smooth entry leads to the silky texture accented by black pepper and spice box. Fresh blackberry and hints of huckleberry merge with a spicy essence as the playful flavors satiate the palate and linger. This balanced Zin offers those classic Dry Creek Valley qualities that put this region on every wine lover’s map.
It was in 1993 when the Wilsons took on the restoration of the old tin barn - once the Chris Fredson Winery - complete with the original redwood vats and tanks. Today, this historic barn houses modern stainless steel tanks and a new collection of French and American oak barrels for aging the Wilsons' Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petite Sirah.
More than a home for Wilson wines, the old tin barn is the homestead for their frowing family of boutique wineries they nurture and are proud to call Wilson Artisan Wineries. "
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.