Winemaker Notes
Zinfandelic’s 2017 Sierra Foothills Old Vine Zinfandel is sourced from sustainably farmed old vine vineyards nestled in the Sierra Foothills, home to some of the oldest Zinfandel vineyards in the world.
The high altitude vineyards yield a bold Old Vine Zinfandel, with rich, complex flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry accented by hints of earth, vanilla and pepper. The old vines impart elegant, intense tannins that provide excellent structure for this full-bodied wine. The fresh fruit characteristics are balanced by lively acidity, hallmarks of the Sierra Foothills. Zinfandelic's Sierra Foothills Old Vine Zinfandel wine makes an excellent food pairing choice for anything hot off the grill, such as grilled tri-tip steak. Try slicing up the steak and throwing it on top of a sourdough dinner roll.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
With a label that reminds us of the Cow Palace’s rock concert posters from the 1960s, this sumptuous red comes through with a surge of flavor. The black and blue fruit are showy and sweetened by their inherent ripeness. Acidity is bright and tannins are plush. Crafted from some vines that go back to the 19th century, this is truly a nod to the love power from its psychedelic era design.
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Wine Enthusiast
A classic structure and good depth of flavor bring rich fruit and an appetizing texture to the fore in this full-bodied wine. Hints of vanilla and cedar lead to ripe black-cherry and plum flavors, while light, peppery, earthy accents keep it interesting.
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.
Originally a source of oenological sustenance for gold-seeking miners of the mid-1800s, the Sierra Foothills was the first region in California to produce wines from European grape varieties. Located between Sacramento and the Nevada border, this area’s immigrant settlers chose to forgo growing the then-ubiquitous Mission grape and instead brought with them superior vines from the Old World to plant alongside mining camps.
Zinfandel has been the most important variety of this region since its inception, taking on a spicy character with brambly fruit and firm structure. Amador and El Dorado counties, benefiting from the presence of volcanic and granite soils, are home to the best examples. Bold, robust Rhône Blends and Barbera are also important regional specialties.