Winemaker Notes
The vintage of 2009 began with a dry spring followed by a mild summer. By mid September the Zinfandel located at the highest and warmest part of the vineyard was ready and we began picking. Over the course of the following three weeks as the fruit slowly ripened, we picked our way down to the lowest part of the vineyard. The grapes were fermented in stainless steel, and then aged in 60% French and 40% American oak barrels for just over a year and a half.
The wild berry and spice flavors of this rich and elegant Zinfandel are a perfect complement to tomato sauce dishes, grilled fish and steak, and rich chocolate desserts.
94% Zinfandel, 4% Syrah, 2% Petite Sirah
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A picture-perfect Zinfandel from this famous vineyard. It's dry and soft in tannins and acids, and while it's a little high and sweet in alcohol, it's not too much. The raspberry, cherry, tobacco and bacon flavors finish in a swirl of peppery spices.
Editors' Choice
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.
Home to a diverse array of smaller AVAs with varied microclimates and soil types, Sonoma County has something for every wine lover. Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the region only produces about half the amount of wine but boasts both tremendous quality and variety. With its laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude, the wineries of Sonoma are appreciated by wine tourists for their friendliness and approachability. The entire county intends to become a 100% sustainable winegrowing region by 2019.
Sonoma County wines are produced with carefully selected grape varieties to reflect the best attributes of their sites—Dry Creek Valley’s consistent sunshine is ideal for Zinfandel, while the warm Alexander Valley is responsible for rich, voluptuous red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are important throughout the county, most notably in the cooler AVAs of Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Carneros. Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Syrah have also found a firm footing here.