Winemaker Notes
Originally planted in the late 1800s, our family's Stefani Vineyard is located in northeast Dry Creek Valley near the Alexander Valley’s western border. Surrounded by hills and ridges that limit fog intrusion, the intense sunlight at Stefani Vineyard makes the average temperature about two to three degrees warmer than nearby vineyards, creating riper fruit characteristics in the grapes. The vines are planted on coveted hillside locations, where the gravelly clay loam soil is shallow and well-drained, allowing for less vigorous growth and well-balanced vines.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a big and rich zinfandel with lots of ripe fruit and spice with black pepper. Full and fresh. Juicy. Some heat at the end. Drink now.
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.