Winemaker Notes
-Wine Enthusiast
All Artezin vineyard sites are personally selected and are chosen for their Zinfandel winegrowing potential. These sites are both on the ridgelines and benchlands of the Ukiah Valley in Mendocino County. They represent both new generation and old, head-trained, family owned vineyards. Our growers are very dedicated and are meticulous farmers.
Garnet red in color, this Zinfandel expresses the forward red fruit profile of raspberry and boysenberry followed by nuances of black pepper, and allspice. Flavors that begin with black cherry and plum flow effortlessly into zesty spices such as clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. The palate is racy and plush with richness and full body. The tannins are round and seamless, yet provide solid structure. Created for immediate enjoyment, this handcrafted wine emanates classic varietal expression.
Reaching up California's coastline and into its valleys north of San Francisco, the North Coast AVA includes six counties: Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake. While Napa and Sonoma enjoy most of the glory, the rest produce no shortage of quality wines in an intriguing and diverse range of styles.
Climbing up the state's rugged coastline, the chilly Marin County, just above the City and most of Sonoma County, as well as Mendocino County on the far north end of the North Coast successfully grow cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and in some spots, Riesling. Inland Lake County, on the other hand, is considerably warmer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc produce some impressive wines with affordable price tags.
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.