Winemaker Notes
This is a spicy yet refined Zinfandel that is beautifully balanced with remarkable color. Aromas of cinnamon and darkmixed berry merge with flavors of blackberry jam, ripe raspberry and a touch of peppercorn. A luxurious wine with a longand silky finish.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The finest of this Zins is the 2012 Zinfandel Reserve, a selection of St. Francis’ finest cuvées that spent 20 months in French oak. Full-bodied with copious notes of black cherries, black raspberries, earth, bouquet garni, pepper, spice box and vanillin, this dark ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied, opulent, still young and vigorous Zin should drink well for at least a decade.
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Tasting Panel
Dark with lush, jammy nose; smooth, rich and balanced with spice, plum, blueberry and cassis; ripe, intense and long.
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 multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.