Red - Zinfandel

Several years ago, I helped out in the tasting room at Pedroncelli Winery. I always marveled at how beautiful the country side was, even on rainy days, and the care that was shown to the land. Four generations of Pedroncellis have tended the land and grown the business even during prohibition when they continued to produce grapes for home consumption. I also marveled at the fact that they always kept their wines at a reasonable price even though they had a reputation for great wines and could have charged more.

John Pedroncelli, who was instrumental in building Sonoma County’s wine industry was just two years old when his family moved to Geyserville in 1927 and started making wine. Having graduated from UC Davis with a degree in oenology, Pedroncelli went on to produce 66 vintages at the Pedroncelli Winery and continued to consult for the winery up until his death. Pedroncelli pioneered affordable, approachable wines from the Dry Creek Valley and championed Zinfandel, making California’s first Zinfandel rosé.

The Pedroncelli Mother Clone 2016 Zinfandel is a classic Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. Fragrant aroma of raspberry and red plum with a touch of black pepper and vanilla. Bing cherry and raspberry flavors framed by subtle black pepper spice. Well integrated flavors with round tannins and warm toasty oak in the finish.

Dolinsek Ranch, a magical vineyard planted over 104 years ago by the Frati family, has produced outstanding wines throughout the 20th century. The soil is a rich sandy-Goldridge loam and is located just off the famous Laguna Road, one of the best terroirs of the Russian River Valley. The 2016 vintage shows elegance and length, medium tannins, coupled with lush liquor like berry fruit and white pepper. The purity of aromas is the main characteristic of this medium-bodied Zinfandel. Superb with grilled meats and sharp, earthy cheeses. Only 220 cases produced.

Gold Medal for the 2012 vintage at the 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

The Brown family started as growers in Napa back in the late 70's selling their fruit to such prestigious wineries as T-Vine, Grgich Hills and Green and Red. In 1995, they started their own label with consulting winemaker, Duane Dappen (D-Cubed) getting them going. That was a great day for the wine world! The flagship Napa Valley Zinfandel historically has borne the responsibility of being the ultimate representative of what the Brown property and its unique microclimate have to offer—the cream of the Brown Estate zinfandel crop blended into one stellar wine. As such, it is the most challenging zin they produce because it requires commingling of several distinct personalities into a singular well-adjusted protagonist. The fact that each vineyard’s qualities complement and enhance the others’ virtues is a testament to the integration, fluidity, and perpetual motion—the balancing act!—that is Brown Estate itself. Stunning gemstone magenta core and ruby rim. True on the nose to the hallmark Brown Estate bouquet of rose petals, lily of the valley, hibiscus flowers, Asian apple, and effervescent citrus followed by dried apricot and peach. Medium body with silky mouthfeel, the palate at first delivers a burst of ripe red fruits, heavy cream, and loads of cascading exotic spice, finishing with a surprise of subtle crushed black pepper. Seamlessly integrated, elegant, and engaging. Drink now through 2022 to experience ripe fresh fruit, thereafter for a less fruity, earthier experience. 1100 cases made.

The Carol Shelton Old Vine Mendocino Zinfandel 2015 is a treasure. Grown on the benchlands and slopes of mountainsides — this 60 plus year old vine Zinfandel was named for these wild- looking vines and also for the uninoculated, or “wild,” yeast ferment that was used to create it. Aromas of black cherry, ripe plum and raspberry fruit combine with a hint of graphite, cigar box, and vanilla-oak baking spice loveliness. Smoothly textured in mouth, and the palate is very creamy and round, with a finish that is long with lush jammy fruit. 80% Zinfandel, 10% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 1% Alicante Bouschet. 

In the heart of Saint Helena, the historic Hayne Vineyard is home to 112-year old heritage Zinfandel vines, and the source of some of the most highly rated Zinfandel in California. Like living works of art, each of these old vines is a unique spirit unto itself. These old vines have incredible, almost mysterious qualities — like their ability to preserve beautiful, mouthwatering acidity even with extended hang times. They can achieve ripe, concentrated berries that produce powerful and complex wines without ever compromising balance, or that luminous purity of fruit. So satisfying in every way, the Chase Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel 2016 is a wine you can drink the whole night through and still wonder how the end of the glass keeps coming so quickly. Pure, decadent fruit expression shines with the support of ripe, integrated tannins and gorgeous, balanced acidity. Dark red fruits hang long on the palate with a finish that practically begs for the next sip. 94 pts, Robert Parker. 510 cases produced.