Dashe Todd Brothers Ranch Zinfandel 2013
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Robert
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Wilfred
Wong
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Zinfandel Todd Brothers Ranch Old Vines emerges from another one of those heritage, head-pruned old Zinfandel sites. The color is a dense ruby/purple and the wine loaded with black raspberry and black cherry fruit, loads of spice and earth. It is a classic, even quintessential, Zinfandel from Alexander Valley. This full-bodied beauty should drink well for 5 to 7 years.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2013 Dashe Todd Brothers Ranch Old Vines explodes with aromas and flavors of ripe blackberries and sweet leather. The wine's ultra-rich palate presence makes it a perfect choice with grilled spicy lamb sausages. Drinking well now. (Tasted: May 16, 2016, San Francisco, CA)
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Dashe Cellars, founded in 1996, blends Anne's classic French winemaking training with the experience Michael has gained at Ridge Vineyards, Far Niente and Chateau Lafite-Rothschild. Together, the Dashes' strive to create authentic, site-focused wines that capture the charm and personality of top, independent vineyards throughout Sonoma County and beyond. In 2007, Michael and Anne started a new series of wines that they dubbed "Les Enfants Terribles", wines that were inspired by many of the French wines they admire, with balance, complexity, lower alcohols, beautiful fruit aromatics and velvety textures. These easy-to drink and expressive wines are a great complement to their lineup of classic "signature wines".
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.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.