Winemaker Notes
Aromas of mulberry, blackberry, and mocha entrance you from the start. 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" we prize. Ten months of barrel aging in a mix of French, American, and Hungarian oak barrels add to the velvety finish of fine tannins.
Remarkably humble and uncommonly layered, this Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is a delicious complement to roasted sweet potatoes with fresh rosemary and sage sprinkled on top, beef stew (crock pot cooking at its finest!), hearty grain salad with hazelnuts and dried cherries, or a selection of cheeses including blue, feta, or stilton.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Rustic and earthy with nice, bright acidity, this appellation wine contains 18% Petite Sirah and smaller additions of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Cranberry and cherry flavors contribute to its crisp, crunchy texture.
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Wine Spectator
This red is loaded with fresh berry patch aromas and flavors, accented by licorice and zesty black pepper, picking up vigor toward briary tannins. Drink now through 2028.
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.