Winemaker Notes
After a dry winter, the northern wine growing regions of California experienced some good rainfall in March, followed by a warm yet not overly hot summer. In general, 2012 offered a mildly warm growing season with the only heat spike being a two-day occurrence, close to harvest. This gentle vintage gave the fruit long hang-time ideal for acid and sugar balance along with complexity of flavors. Smoky cedar, vanillin and sweet tobacco flavors blend harmoniously with cassis, cranberry, and cooked dark fruits like warm blackberry pie. Very soft refined tannins are balanced by a fresh acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Do you like hoisin chicken? Let me explain this dish. Cantonese inspired, the chicken (you should use Mary's Air-Dried Organic) can be steamed, baked or cold-boiled. If you must, grilling is okay. Then pour a generous glass of the 2012 Beran Zinfandel and you will be very close to a food and wine matching Nirvana. This zin bounces plenty of beautifully ripe berry flavors onto the palate; quite rounded on the palate and really easy to love; has nice firmness, but reveals a tender disposition. (Tasted: April 21, 2015, San Francisco, CA)
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!