Winemaker Notes
The violaceous color of this wine is like a regal kings robe. Quivira loves the bouquet of cinnamon stick, cardamom, and green fig that immediately entices. The uniqueness of Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel stands out with the mix of red fruit textures - fresh, jammy, and dried. You may notice hints of raspberry, black olives, blackberry, crushed rose petals, and zaatar in this signature Zinfandel. There's a seamless integration of Tahitian vanilla in the background from a carefully selected mix of American and French oak. This wine has all the strength and power of a robust Zinfandel but wrapped with the gentle touch of Mother Nature and astute winemaking.
Excellent with lamb or chicken shawarma, roasted carrots, grilled meats with rosemary and smoked eggplant atop olive oil crostinis.
Blend: 78% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Sirah
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Soft, citrusy and high-toned in cranberry and currant, this wine has 22% Petite Sirah and plenty of weight and ripeness. The oak is prominent and specked in baking spice and white pepper, with lingering hints of dried herb and lavender.
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.