Winemaker Notes
The electric color immediately tempts and lures in the senses. Deep and brooding, the aromas convey notes of boysenberry and blackberry pie along with highlights of raspberry compote and other red fruits. Complexed with notes of anise and fennel, the nose offers a kaleidoscope of aromas. Tannic and mouth coating, the palate offers a dense and compact wine with refreshing acidity to create a harmony that is unparalleled for Zinfandel. These century old vines are a testament to what monumental wines can be achieved.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Zinfandel Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard jumps from the glass with inky blackberry liqueur, candied peach, and scorched earth. The palate is rich, full, and firmly structured but has refreshing lift.
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Wine Spectator
Shows density and polish, featuring a mix of black and red fruit flavors that build tension, with cracked pepper notes building toward broad-shouldered tannins. Drink now
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2020 Williams Selyem Fanucci-Wood Road Vineyard Zinfandel packs nicely on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of berries, wood, and sweet spices. Try it with pork adobo. (Tasted: January 24, 2022, 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.
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.