Winemaker Notes
Black-purple color, with aromas of Blackberry, black currant, hints of plum, cherry, and chocolate, with an underlying floral component of violets. On the palate, the wine shows aromas of sweet blackberry and cassis, pomegranate, plum, hints of chocolate and licorice. One of the most intense and complex Dry Creek Zinfandels we’ve made, with dark chocolate and black pepper spice underlying the velvety, intense midpalate and the balanced, sweet red-fruit finish.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Shimmering garnet color, spice and berry nose, smooth, lush and elegant with fine structure and plum, black raspberry and cherry fruit; considerable finesse and great aging potential, long and refined.
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Wine Spectator
Precise, with a sinewy elegance that draws in bright cherry and cranberry flavors laced with notes of briar, dill and white pepper. Drink now through 2027.
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Wine Enthusiast
Thick and dense with a tannic grip, this youthful, exuberant red includes 10% Petite Sirah. With a small amount of new French oak, it leads with fruity baked plum and berry flavors dusted in mocha and dried herb.
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.