Winemaker Notes
With the Cherryhouse soil being sandy loam derived from decomposed granite and the Del Barba soil being pure sand, both vineyards contribute completely different components to the blend. Cherryhouse is bold with beautiful acidity and Del Barba is spicy with more red fruit. Both come together to make our California Zinfandel absolutely delicious.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, the 2017 Zinfandel comes from sites throughout California and spent 10 months in 20% new French oak. It offers lots of classic Zinfandel darker berry and plum fruits as well as notes of spice box, cedarwood, brambly herbs, and chocolate. As with the Pinot Noir, it’s a beautifully made, balanced, ready-to go-drinker that delivers the goods!
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Driscoll Wine Company Tilth Zinfandel explodes with flavors that last through the wine's finish. TASTING NOTES: This wine brings bold berries and hints of licorice in its aromas and flavors. Plate a juicy, grilled ribeye and pour a glass. (Tasted: June 19, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!