Zinfandel Specialist

Classic Zinfandels

Zinfandel may be California’s most distinguished contribution to the world of fine wine. Just as Pinot Noir is synonymous with Burgundy, Zinfandel is most at home in the Dry Creek Valley. We produce five very  distinctive bottlings of Zinfandel: Heritage, Old Vine, Somers Ranch, Beeson Ranch, and Late Harvest.

Old Vine Zinfandel

Sonoma County

Beginning with the 1985 vintage, Dry Creek Vineyard was one of the first wineries to consistently use the term “Old Vine.” 

Old Vine Zinfandel comes from special vineyards ranging from 50 to over 100 years in age.  Production is very limited as these vines typically yield only 1-2 tons per acre.  We are fortunate to be associated with these unique vineyards and are proud to share this exceptional wine with you.  Our Old Vine Zinfandel is known for its depth of flavor and spicy, earthy characteristics.  Deep color and firm structure are enhanced by the addition of our region’s best Petite Sirah.  It is a rich and powerful wine, sure to please even the most discerning palate. 
 

Unique Single-Vineyard Zinfandels

Somers Ranch Zinfandel and Beeson Ranch Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

Since the 2001 vintage, we have offered two single-vineyard Zinfandels - Beeson Ranch and Somers Ranch. Both express the unique terroir of their respective vineyards.

Beeson Ranch is a pre-Prohibition, dry-farmed vineyard on the west side of Dry Creek Valley with gnarly vines that produce between one and two tons per acre. Somers Ranch, planted in the early 1990s, is all about its ideal situation on the east side of Dry Creek Valley. Extremely limited in production, each wine showcases the unique attributes of its vineyard and the best of what the Dry Creek Valley has to offer in Zinfandel.

Late Harvest Zinfandel

Dry Creek Valley

Our Late Harvest Zinfandel is only produced when weather conditions during harvest are ideal.  Warm breezy afternoons help dry the fruit, concentrating its sugar and acid.  In exceptional years, Botrytis Cinerea, known as noble rot, will also be present, further concentrating the sugar and the flavors in the grapes. 

As with our Soleil, the Late Harvest Zinfandel is made in very limited quantities.  It has become quite a cult favorite and is especially wonderful with chocolate.