Winemaker Notes
The aromas of fresh blackberry, blueberry and black cherry are balanced with hints of cracked pepper and allspice. Blackberry, nutmeg and mocha flavors lead into an intense, elegant and silky finish.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This Russian River Zinfandel is a blend of five old-vine, dry-farmed and low-yielding vineyards from the Russian River Valley AVA with an average vine age over 100 years. It is aged in French oak, 42% new, for 16 months prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2015 Zinfandel Russian River is redolent of baked blackberries, dried mulberries and blueberry preserves with hints of leather and spic box. The palate is full-bodied with loads of berry preserves and Indian spice layers supported by chewy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long, savory and with wonderful poise. 1727 cases were made.
-
Wine Spectator
This is what Russian River Zinfandel is all about. Rich, dynamic and layered, with complex fruit, offering notes of jammy black raspberry, stony mineral, herbes de Provence and licorice. The finish unfurls at length. Drink now through 2026.
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.