Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Home Base is a classic, full-bodied expression of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. Enticing aromas of ripe plum, brambly blackberry, toasted fennel seeds, and spice layer over a supple and concentrated palate. There is a freshness and energy to this vintage that leads to a delicious and mouthwatering finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 BACA Home Base Zinfandel is attractive and full without being over-the-top. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of candied blackberries, black fruits, and licorice. Try it with a grilled, well-marbled ribeye. (Tasted: June 22, 2022, San Francisco, CA)
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Zinfandel Home Base has poppy fruit punch aromatics, with white pepper and cedar. In line with the nose, there is sweet mixed-berry fruit up front, with mocha and peach puree.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a thick, rich wine that tastes of baked plum and blackberry laced in black licorice. Voluptuous in style, it presents sweet oak that lingers in spicy cola.
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.