Welcome to the latest installment of The Week in Zinfandel. If I missed your post or story please send me a link and I will be sure to include it next week Cheers!
Author: Tom Lee
2024 Sandlands Zinfandel Contra Costa County – Bottle Notes
Sandlands is the personal project of Tegan and Olivia Passalacqua. Tegan is the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Turley. The line-up encompasses some of the forgotten classic California varieties, primarily grown in decomposed granite from regions and vineyards that have been farmed for many generations but have remained the outliers of California viticulture. The wines made at Sandlands include Syrah,…
2020 Once & Future Mataro Oakley Road Vineyard – Bottle Notes
Joel Peterson founded Ravenswood Winery in 1976 with a focus on Single Vineyard Zinfandel. Ravenswood was immensely successful and over time began producing in excess of a million cases per year. Joel eventually sold Ravenswood to Constellation. I recall going to Ravenswood every August in the mid nineties for the release of their Single Vineyard Zins with the intent of…
2017 Cameron Pinot Noir Dundee Hills – Bottle Notes
Cameron Winery is dedicated to producing high-quality, hand-crafted and sustainably-farmed libations for the people. Cameron is a small family operation, producing 3,000 to 4,000 cases annually. John Paul, the irrepressible owner and winemaker emeritus, founded the winery in 1984. Ruby red in color. 12.6% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, citrus, baking spices and earth. Medium body with medium acidity.…
2024 Bucklin Mixed Whites Old Hill Ranch – Bottle Notes
Bucklin Winery was founded in 2000 by the four Bucklin siblings: Arden, Kate, Ted and Will. Will Bucklin has been a vintner for over 35 years, working in France, Australia, Sonoma, Mendocino and Oregon. Bucklin produces several Zinfandels and Grenache, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a White Field Blend. The Mixed Whites were propagated at Old Hill Ranch with cuttings from…
2024 Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County – Bottle Notes
Seghesio Family Vineyards was established in 1895, when Edoardo Seghesio planted his first Zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley. The focus at Seghesio has always been Zinfandel and Italian varietals. Bright crimson in color. 15% ABV. Primarily Sonoma County but grapes are also sourced from Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties. Savory nose of red and black fruits, licorice,…
The Week in Zinfandel (6/15/26)
Welcome to the latest installment of The Week in Zinfandel. If I missed your post or story please send me a link and I will be sure to include it next week. Cheers!
2010 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Three Corner Vineyard – Bottle Notes
Rochioli is one of the true pioneers in Russian River Valley, with a winemaking history dating back to the the late 1950′s. In 1987 Rochioli released their first estate wine, the 1985 Rochioli Pinot Noir. Although best known for their world class Pinot Noir, Rochioli also produces remarkable Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery has published a detailed map of…
2021 Bedrock Wine Co. Heritage Wine Evangelho Vineyard – Bottle Notes
Bedrock Wine Co. was founded by Morgan Twain-Peterson in 2007 and focuses on small production wines from many of California’ s most treasured and historic vineyards. The lineup of wines at Bedrock is expanding rapidly, but I think the best of the best are the ancient vineyard Zinfandels, Morgan is clearly passionate about. Evangelho Vineyard is in Contra Costa County,…
2023 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – Bottle Notes
Thomas Rivers Brown and his wife Genevieve Marie Welsh have made Rivers-Marie one of California’s most sought after Pinot Noir labels. The winery was founded in 2002 and the first release was the Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir. In addition to the line up of Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs, Rivers-Marie also makes a several single vineyard Cabernets and Chardonnay. Thomas is in…