Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Winemaker Joy Merrilees got more oomph out of Two Bud Block in 2013. A deeper than usual color, darker than normal fruit flavors and a satisfying, dark chocolate and cappucino richness on the palate make this big, luxurious wine stand out. The flavors are fruity but distinctive, blending blackberry, black cherry and mocha. Editors’ Choice.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Soft and endearing, the brightly-fruited 2013 Shannon Ridge Reserve Two Bud Block Zinfandel shows the softer side of this grape variety. The wine is attractive, pleasing, and full-bodied. Its rich palate textures make it an excellent wine for barbecues.(Tasted: March 20, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
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.
Sitting on the northeast side of the Clear Lake appellation, this warm area boasts multiple soil types that allow growers a lot of flexibility and experimentation with grape varieties. While Sauvignon blanc is a mainstay, this zone excels with Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, as well as other less common varieties like Barbera and Tempranillo.