Winemaker Notes
Named for the old grist mill that was found on the property, Grist sits pretty at 1000 ft. elevation on Bradford Mountain in the Dry Creek Valley AVA. The site was originally planted 100 years ago, and has since been replanted in the early 1970s. The iron rich, red volcanic Boomer Loam soil results in low yields and concentrated wines. Vines are planted on St. George rootstock. Farming here is CCOF Organic.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
In the same ballpark, the 2016 Zinfandel Grist Vineyard comes from a site in the Dry Creek Valley. It’s a medium-bodied, fresh, seamless beauty that has classic, exotic even, aromas of strawberries, plums, blood orange, and incense. Like the other releases here, it’s impeccably balanced, has a seamless texture, and a great finish.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: I have followed the winemaking exploits of Ehren Jordan. The Day wines are some of the best wines he has brought into the market. The 2016 Day Grist Vineyard Zinfandel packs plenty but stays elegant into the finish. TASTING NOTES: This wine is explosive and upright. Enjoy its aromas and flavors of blackberries and oak with grilled beef. (Tasted: May 13, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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.