Winemaker Notes
Layered notes on the nose of blackberry, sandalwood, violet, cardamom, leather and dried figs. Expansive and supple on the palate with delicate, balanced acidity and flavors of sage, vanilla, cigar box, and kirsch. Finely grained and elegant tannins frame this heritage Zinfandel.
Blend: 98% Zinfandel, 2% Mourtaou (Cabernet Pfeffer)
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Flavors of pomegranate, black plum, orange zest and root beer mean this Zinfandel is simultaneously friendly and impressively serious. The tannins are lightly grippy with the potential to age, while the palate is mouthwatering and lengthy. Complexity and detail makes this wine stand out.
Cellar Selection -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
This Coombsville vineyard dates back to 1905 and has the unique inclusion of approximately 2% Mourtaou (Cabernet Pfeffer). Biale's 2022 Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard delivers waves of opulent strawberries, raspberries and stone fruit. Full-bodied, round and supple, it shows terrific intensity, finishing lush, long and complex—the complete package.
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Wine Spectator
This polished red retains a classic sense of Zinfandel briar, with multilayered flavors of black cherry, roasted anise and pepper that race toward vibrant tannins. Drink now through 2032.
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James Suckling
A focused, well-balanced and driven zinfandel from Coombsville. It has aromas of red berries, red plums, sweet spices and a touch of hazelnuts. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. A vivid core of spices complements the fruity and textural mid-palate and the berry-like 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.
Situated in the southeastern corner of Napa Valley in the Vaca range, the vineyards of the Coombsville AVA enjoy a long growing season mitigated by cool, San Pablo Bay fog.