Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Another gem in the lineup, the 2016 Zinfandel Old Vines comes from sites in the Russian River Valley. Ripe, classic Zinfandel notes of red plums, cedar, sandalwood, pepper, and flowers all emerge from this medium-bodied, fresh, vibrant effort that has fine tannins and impeccable balance. It’s seriously good and a great value. Drink it over the coming 2-4 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Zinfandel comes from vines in the Alegria vineyard planted in 1910 and 1950. This very old vineyard is planted to many varieties, and the blend here is about 78% Zinfandel, 10% Alicante and 10% Petite Sirah, with the remainder a compilation of about a dozen other varieties. Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, it has a nose of yellow peach, boysenberry, blueberry compote, black cherry jam and spiced warm red berries. Medium to full-bodied, it offers concentrated tricolor fruit in the mouth, firm tannins to frame and just enough acidity on the long finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is from the Alegria Vineyard, originally planted in 1890 and then partially replanted in 1950. It blends within 10% Alicante, 10% Petite Sirah and 2% of a dozen other varieties found in the field. Burly, dusty tobacco is accented in cedar notes and graphite, with powerful concentration and structure at its core.
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 standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.