Joseph Jewell Grist Vineyard Zinfandel 2013
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For the third year in a row, Adrian Manspeaker and Micah Wirth's zin from Grist Vineyard is a spellbinding wine. Planted in 1974, this hillside vineyard isn't old in the context of California zin, but the vines are mature enough to translate the site's iron-rich volcanic soil into zinfandel with remarkable purity and sheer exuberance. Its red plum and floral white peach flavors are so immediate and succulent, you might worry that the wine is going to drip down your chin. There's a lacy transparency here that's extraordinary, the tannins structuring the wine without dominating it, somewhere between peach fuzz, and fine gravel. The subtle redwood scent seems to catch the vineyard's hillside environs. It's a beautiful zesty California original. Pour it blind for Europhile friends who claim to dislike zin, and watch their faces light up.
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2018-
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Joseph Jewell Wines started in a garage in Windsor, California in 2006, when two good friends, Micah Joseph Wirth and Adrian Jewell Manspeaker, created their first wine, a Pinot Noir. The 2006 Pinot Noir crop in Northern California was a large one, and several vineyards had grapes to spare. Adrian and Micah considered several options, and finally sourced a ton of grapes from the Toboni Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. They invested in two French Oak barrels and a small basket press…and they were on their way to a very successful first vintage, producing 50 cases of a full-bodied, rich Pinot Noir.
While they were washing out their barrels at the Gary Farrell Winery one day, they tossed around ideas for a name for their fledgling winery. They wanted something that represented them both, yet also had a connection to each of them individually. Combining their middle names, Joseph Jewell rolled off their tongues. They created an elegant coat of arms for their logo and a distinctive label and bottle to match the quality of their wines.
Since that first Pinot Noir, they’ve created several wines, including Russian River Valley Appian Way Pinot Noir, Dry Creek Valley Grist Zinfandel, and Alexander Valley Redwood Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, all with distinct noses and finishes that reflect their unique style of winemaking.
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.