Armida Poizin Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2016 Front Bottle Shot
Armida Poizin Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2016 Front Bottle Shot Armida Poizin Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2016 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

Inky black in color, this 2016 Dry Creek Zinfandel is bold with seductive aromas of plum, sweet raspberry, and smoky oak. A full-bodied, supple wine of red-vine licorice, anise, and blackberry jam, it screams Zinfandel! The Syrah in the blend contributes black pepper, racy acidity and firm structure, giving this wine a complex and rustic personality. Moderate oak aging contributes hints of clove and smoke. Approachable, balanced and a little crazy, this wine is purely intoxicating.

Professional Ratings

  • 90
    COMMENTARY: I have a love and hate relationship with "high octane" Zins. When the wines hover in the 15% alcohol range, they can be fiery hot. Some surprisingly enough can be quite well balanced. The 2016 Armida Poizin Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is an excellent example of the latter. TASTING NOTES: This wine explodes with power and depth on the palate. Its aromas and flavors of dark boysenberries and wood are nicely melded and ready to pair with grilled lamb rib chops. (Tasted: August 8, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
Armida

Armida

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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.

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Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma County, California

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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.

EPC36464_2016 Item# 388341