2021 Sonoma County Zinfandel
47% Sonoma Valley Zinfandel, Old Hill Ranch
20% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, Teldeschi Ranch
20% Sonoma Valley Zinfandel, Pagani Ranch
10% Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah, Mounts Ranch
3% Sonoma Valley Alicante Bouschet, Pagani Ranch
Not since 2014 have we had a Sonoma County Zinfandel with no Russian River Valley component. But in this vintage, we found the magic formula to be 20% Teldeschi Ranch, 47% Old Hill Ranch, 20% Pagani Ranch, 10% Mounts Ranch Petite Sirah, and just because we liked its contribution to the texture, 3% Pagani Ranch Alicante Bouschet. Forty-three percent of the wine is from century-plus-year-old vineyards while the remainder is from 20-plus-year-old vines. Eleven percent new oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium to medium-dark garnet-ruby. Red cherries, brown tobacco, and subtle earthy notes reminiscent of freshly tilled loam greet the nose. The wine enters with full body and plenty of red and purple fruits before youthful tannins build in the persistent finish. Much more concentrated and “serious” than the very elegant 2020 and every bit as age worthy as our vineyard designates. We recommend giving it a couple more years and then enjoying from 2025 through 2035. (MRO - 01/17/23)