Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Zinfandel grapes come from one of the most highly sought after vineyards in California. Shake Ridge Vineyard is located in the Sierra Foothills along a ridge 1,650–1,810 feet above sea level, overlooking the town of Sutter Creek. Renowned grower, Ann Kraemer is one of the most highly respected figures in the wine world. Stylistically, a tribute to the early Zinfandel pioneers, with toasty American Oak aging, imparting a subtle, slightly creamy texture. Very smooth. Bright acidity coupled with flavors of raspberry, vanilla and black pepper.
Medium tannins lead to a round, glycerol mouthfeel. Warm and inviting, begging for a great BBQ.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Dark in color, the 2019 Zinfandel Shake Ridge Ranch tastes of juicy red and black berry that leans nearly into dried fruit character. Well-integrated oak and tannin give it a softness on the midpalate, leading to a lasting finish of cardamom and toasted oak.
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.
As the lower part of the greater Sierra Foothills appellation, Amador is roughly a plateau whose vineyards grow at 1,200 to 2,000 feet in elevation. It is 100 miles east of both San Francisco and Napa Valley. Most of its wineries are in the oak-studded rolling hillsides of Shenandoah Valley or east in Fiddletown, where elevations are slightly higher.
The Sierra Foothills growing area was among the largest wine producers in the state during the gold rush of the late 1800s. The local wine industry enjoyed great success until just after the turn of the century when fortune-seekers moved elsewhere and its population diminished. With Prohibition, winemaking was totally abandoned, along with its vineyards. But some of these, especially Zinfandel, still remain and are the treasure chest of the Sierra Foothills as we know them.
Most Amador vines are planted in volcanic soils derived primarily from sandy clay loam and decomposed granite. Summer days are hot but nighttime temperatures typically drop 30 degrees and the humidity is low, making this an ideal environment for grape growing. Because there is adequate rain throughout the year and even snow in the winter, dry farming is possible.