Winemaker Notes
Winemaker Notes The grapes for this wine were crushed and fermented warm, pumping juice from the tank bottom over the cap of floating skins on a regular basis for maximum color and flavor extraction. The wine was pressed off the skins and racked to 60 gallon French and American oak barrels. The wine was barrel aged for a total of 18 months. The wine exhibits black fruit flavors and fresh ground pepper notes. Its Dry Creek pedigree shows in its supple mouth filling qualities and its lingering finish.
Rich flavors make this hearty 2006 Lake Sonoma Dry Creek Zinfandel able to stand up to charcoal grilled or spicy foods such as venison, lamb, your favorite grilled steak and penne arrabiata.
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Spicy and balanced in a relatively light, claret style, this wine's black fruit lasts past its alcohol and tannin. It's a clean, tightly built zin, with gentle spice for pepper steak.
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.