Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard explodes with black cherry compote, blueberry pie, raspberry preserves and fruitcake notes with hints of tobacco, sandalwood and potpourri. Full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with blackberry preserves and spicy layers, framed by soft tannins and lovely freshness, finishing very long and layered.
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Wine Spectator
Floral blueberry and stony mineral aromas open to spirited yet structured sweet anise and white pepper flavors that build tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2026.
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Jeb Dunnuck
From a site in the Russian River Valley that spent 10 months in 50% new French oak, the 2017 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard offers outstanding complexity in its dark fruits, spice, and peppery herb-laced aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied and elegant on the palate, it has a pretty, juicy, delicious style that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 7-8 years.
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 standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.