This handcrafted wine comes from the preeminent Zinfandel region in California: the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County. This region combines the daytime warmth needed for this heat-loving variety that ensures maturity, and the cool evenings to retain fresh red fruit profiles and structure. This Zinfandel comes from both old vine parcels on the hillside benches and vineyards along the valley floor of Dry Creek itself. These parcels are farmed by dedicated and meticulous growers. This ideal combination of site and vigilant farming create well defined zin expression.

 

Deep ruby color. The fruit profile opens with fresh blackberries and blackcherry, followed by ripe raspberry jam. More subtle aromas of currants, licorice, black pepper and spice. Entry on the palate is a burst of berries, followed by spices and ripe fruit sweetness. The mid-palate is smooth and round with elegant tannins and a lush finish. This Dry Creek offering shows that Zinfandel can be sophisticated and elegant and gains complexity with pairing. As such, excellent food pairings include roasted duck, veal, and grilled salmon as well as pastas and subtle-flavored cheeses.

 

WS 89 Ripe and zesty, featuring jammy plum and black raspberry fruit, with layered notes of toasty cinnamon, pepper and sage. Finishes with appealingly rustic tannins. Drink now through 2016. 825 cases made. -TF, Wine Spectator, Score: 89