The 2012 zinfandel is from the Russian River Appellation and grown just up the street from our winery. Keith planted this 1+ acre vineyard for Jennie Sodini in 1992. Her husband, Andrew, was born on the ranch in the early 1900’s. Jennie took over after his death and decided to do some replanting. Although she had over 20 acres she told Keith this one acre piece was the heart of the vineyard. Jennie was right. This acre has been somewhat neglected since Jennie’s death and the vines needed a lot of attention and care. Jennie’s grandson Steve now owns and runs the ranch. He offered us the zinfandel from the vines if we brought the acre back to life. We sawed off arms, fertilized, cover cropped, pruned and repruned, repaired stakes and wires and were rewarded with the grapes that made this wonderful zinfandel.

TASTING NOTES

  The 2012 Zinfandel, Sodini Ranch, is extremely aromatic and full of warm and fruity aromas. The flavors duplicate the aromas by showing bright red fruit, soft round tannins and a long finish. We have kept the alcohol low, for a California zinfandel at 14.2%. The trend seems to be 15% or higher but at 14.2% you can enjoy a glass of this wine without feeling tipsy.

  We wanted to maintain the fruit so we held back the influence of oak by aging in older French barrels. The wine is fantastic right now and will continue to be so for the next 5-10 years.