Winemaker Notes
Blending Petite Sirah into this Zinfandel gave it greater perfume, color and complexity in the glass. A glint of purple against a deep red hue hints at the luscious aromas of violets, raspberry, and strawberry on the nose. A rich palate of briery fruit, brown spice, and vanilla is framed by a subtle thread of pepper and oak. The generous mid-palate showcases soft tannins and balanced acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Bonterra Zinfandel is powerful, attractive, and lasting. TASTING NOTES: This wine explodes with aromas and flavors of bright berries. Take it a mixed grill barbecue dinner. (Tasted: March 14, 2022, San Francisco, CA)
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Tasting Panel
The addition of Petite Sirah, Syrah, and other red grapes to this 80% Zinfandel made with organic grapes contributes seasoning and layers of flavors. While the sweetness of summer plum and black cherry is dense and intense, it’s balanced by vibrant acidity. Mocha notes play a role in calming the tannins, introducing a supple nature on the finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Oodles of ripe fruit flavors ride a full body in this dark-colored, saturated wine. Impressively concentrated chocolate and black-cherry notes are braced by fine-grained tannins for an almost chewy texture.
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 large and diverse appellation within California’s North Coast AVA, Mendocino is home to several smaller sub-regions—most notably the Anderson Valley. This scenic region, with rolling hills covered in redwood forests as well as vineyards, is one of the world’s top producers of certified organically-grown grapes. Due to wide geographical and climatic variation, a vast array of wine styles can be found here.