Winemaker Notes
It is a food friendly, old school style Zinfandel with a classic Dry Creek Valley profile. This wine showcases Zinfandel as a world class, versatile varietal that can be enjoyed with a delicious meal or on its own.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Like a briar patch, this Zin is zesty, with wild berry and underbrush accents. Takes on hints of strawberry and pepper while building toward lively tannins. Drink now through 2032. 1,500 cases made.
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Wine Enthusiast
This zingy Dry Creek Zin displays aromas of juicy raspberry, blueberry and licorice on the nose. The palate offers some darker, earthier flavors like boysenberry, roasted game meats and black pepper, with a spicy finish with lingering notions of clove and orange peel.
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.