Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2014 Zinfandel Home Ranch is profoundly scented of black forest cake, prunes and dried fruit cake with hints of lavender, baking spices, espresso and licorice. It really packs in the concentrated preserved black fruits and baking spices flavors on the rich, full-bodied palate with chunky tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length. 94+ points.
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Wine Spectator
Plump and opulent, with a deep and complex core, offering black cherry and toasted cinnamon aromas and rich blackberry pie, licorice and fresh pepper flavors. Drink now through 2027. 2,287 cases made.
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.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.