Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Zinfandel Bacigalupi Vineyard was made "in the fashion of Pinot Noir," says winemaker Jeff Mangahas, with whole berries but no stem inclusion. Vines were planted sometime in the 1920s entirely to Zinfandel, and 20% to 25% new oak was used this vintage. Medium ruby-purple, the nose explodes to warm peaches and nectarines, cherry jam, macerated blueberries and accents of dried bark, cinnamon stick and floral perfume. The palate is light to medium-bodied with lively fruit layers lightly framed by grainy tannins and refreshed by mouthwatering acidity, finishing very long and spicy. 389 cases produced.
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Wine Enthusiast
From a site known as famously for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this red is big in flavor and power, with a robust body of baked cherry, rhubarb compote and clove. Rounded oak supports without distraction as jolts of acidity add tension and vibrancy.
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Wine & Spirits
The wine feels elegant and seamless, the oak tannins working like the sweet toasty bits on a savory blueberry cobbler. There’s a tart side to the fruit and an herbal note, like oregano, adding to that savor. Pour it with herb-rubbed lamb.
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 standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.