Winemaker Notes
The Cienega Valley in San Benito County is blessed with an excellent climate for Zinfandel. Sunny days are interrupted by cooling ocean breezes from the Monterey Bay. Our Gimelli Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel comes from the original dry-farmed vines that were first planted by Dr. Harold Ohrwall in 1908. Now, under the ownership of the Gimelli Family, these vines continue to flourish in the warm climate of the Gavilan Range below Mount Harlan.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Alfaro Family Vineyards & Winery Old Vine Zinfandel is a terrific wine. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows excellent high-toned red berry aromas and flavors. Pair its perkiness with a double-thick, grilled pork chop. (Tasted: August 19, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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.
Part of the larger Central Coast AVA, the valley was historically an important source of grapes for Almaden Vineyards before it was acquired by Constellation Brands in the 1980s. At 1,100 feet, the San Andreas Fault divides the valley so that one side is granite and sandstone, and the other is granite and limestone. Its position along the San Andreas fault makes the region well suited for excellent Central Coast wine production. Top varietals include Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and rose.