Winemaker Notes
The first thing that captures your eye is a rich, dark purple hue that’s on the edge of inky. Aromas of mulberry, blackberry, and mocha entrance you further. A solid mouthfeel, the fruit reaffirms itself with blackberry, boysenberry, and raspberry preserves. Spicy notes of clove, dried sage, black pepper, and fennel appear along with Black Forest cake and that “vin sauvage” they prize. Well-structured with a solid mouthfeel, refreshing acidity, and velvety finish of fine tannins.
Uncommonly layered, complex, and remarkably humble, this Dry Creek Zinfandel is a perfect complement to roasted sweet potatoes with fresh rosemary and sage sprinkled on top, beef stew (a crock pot would make this super easy), hearty grain salad with hazelnuts and cherries, or a selection of cheeses including Blue, Feta, or Stilton.
Blend: 77% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 3%, Syrah, 2% Barbera, 1% Mourvèdre, 1% Malbec, 1% Montepulciano
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This youthful approachable wine has 15% Petite Sirah and tiny amounts of other varieties like Malbec, Mourvèdre and Montepulciano. Aged in French, American and Hungarian oak, it offers grip and oak around tart, rounded flavors of cranberry, strawberry and orange.
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Wine Spectator
Zesty and bright, with fresh and jammy raspberry and sweet spice flavors that linger on a succulent 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.