Winemaker Notes
Blend: 98% Zinfandel, 2% Petite Sirah
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Gnarly Vine Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard is scented of baked berries, raspberry preserves, dried mulberries, spice cake and earth with a waft of tapenade. The mouth is full, rich and spicy with baked berries flavors and firm, chewy tannins, finishing with great length.
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Wine Spectator
Zesty and supple, with easygoing plum, orange zest and sweet anise flavors that linger on the finish.
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.
Covering the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, facing the city of Sonoma, Moon Mountain District is one of Sonoma’s newest sub-appellations. Here the well-drained, red volcanic and ash soils produce hauntingly intense red wines, mainly from Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties.