Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A finished tank sample ready to be bottled, the 2017 Zinfandel is composed of 78% Zinfandel, 10% Alicante and 10% Petite Sirah with a small amount of about 12 other varieties. It's scented of peach, blueberry and black cherry preserves with cinnamon stick, potpourri and touches of earth and herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has wonderful concentration of red, black and blue fruit preserves, with grainy tannins and great juicy acidity, finishing long and spicy. Yum! 240 cases are expected to be made and released in February 2020. Range: 91-93
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Jeb Dunnuck
The red under this label is also rock-solid. Based on 78% Zinfandel, 10% Alicante Bouschet, and the rest Petite Sirah and other varieties, the 2017 Zinfandel Old Vine offers a spice-filled, red plum, kirsch, cedar, and brambly herb-laced bouquet to go with a medium-bodied, elegant, savory style on the palate. It's another wine from this label that's going to shine with food.
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.