Winemaker Notes
The Zinfandels of the 2021 vintage are simply transcendent. Seductive and precise with incredible depth and sophistication. Perfumed ripe summer blackberry, pomegranate seed, sweet spice, and crushed violet candy mingle beautifully with sweet pie crust, almond paste, and vanilla pod aromas. On the palate this Zinfandel is energetic and multi-faceted. Details of fresh dark fruits and toasted coffee bean give way to a core of inviting plush tannins and a long fresh finish. Despite its early accessibility, this incredible Zinfandel will be generous for at least 7+ years.
Blend: 91% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Raspberry and black cherry aromas burst from the glass, mingling with notes of lavender and anise. The palate is brilliantly balanced and loaded with bombastic berry jam, lemon zest, root beer and licorice flavors. There’s no way around the absolute deliciousness of this wine.
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Wine Spectator
This handsome, refined Zin retains a lively sense of briar patch character, along with vibrant cherry, raspberry and spice flavors that zip along the sleek finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley unfurls very slowly on the nose to reveal dark, brambly fruit, forest floor, licorice, violet and iron. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with floral fruit. It’s structured by grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity and has a long, perfumed 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.
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.