Winemaker Notes
A pure expression of beauty in a classic Dry Creek Valley zinfandel style, this wine begins with youthful aromatics of dark red fruits with a touch of spice that will get more pronounced with age. Palate shows characteristics of cedar, cloves, juniper, and cassis with notable tannins that match the expressive aromatics.
Blend: 90% Zinfandel, 6% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The nose of this wine is an exotic mélange of dusty cherry, dried cranberry and sweet fig. The palate feels both juicy and plush, while flavors of vanilla, caramel and crème de cassis emerge over time. This Zin is made for food, so dig in with spicy salami, roasted venison or herbcrusted lamb.
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Wine & Spirits
Lily Hill is Bella’s home vineyard on West Dry Creek Road, with zinfandel plantings that date as far back as 1915 and as recently as 2001. This vintage offers an iron character to the tannins behind the fruit; its meaty blueberry richness and floral highlights show off the old-vine concentration and depth of character. There’s also a puff-pastry note from aging in French and Hungarian oak barrels, 22 percent new. It has the structural tension to develop for five years or more.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Zinfandel Lily Hill Estate displays a more balanced profile and sees the addition of 6% Syrah and 4% Petite Sirah. Pouring a similarly deep red, it opens in the glass to woodsy aromas of pine sap, licorice, blackberry preserve, and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, it offers an earthy profile, with ripe tannins, dusty earth, and a clean and mouthwatering finish. A well-structured wine that can stand up to grilled meats, it will drink well over the next several years.
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.