Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Playing it closer to the vest, but still impressive is the 2014 Zinfandel Duarte Vineyard, which comes from sandy soils as well as vines planted between 1890 and 1930 in Contra Costa County. This is another heady Zinfandel (15.5% alcohol) that exhibits a nice, dark ruby color and loamy soil undertones intermixed with blueberry, strawberry and cherry. It seems to be slightly more reserved and tighter, but spicy and rich. This seems like a candidate to improve for another several years and drink beautifully for another 7-8.
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 large Northern California appellation centered on the San Francisco Bay Area, the San Francisco Bay AVA falls within the larger Central Coast AVA. The smaller appellations of Livermore Valley, Pacheco Pass, San Ysidro District and Santa Clara Valley AVAs fall within the San Francisco Bay boundaries, and all produce high-quality Central Coast wines.