Bella Vineyards Big River Ranch Zinfandel 2013
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The last Zinfandel, the 2013 Zinfandel Big River Ranch is perhaps the most exuberantly fruity of the wines. It displays a dense purple color like the rest, with loads of briary, rich, spicy blackberry and black cherry fruit, licorice and pepper. Sexy, lush and heady, this is a wine to drink over the next 8-10 years as well.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Ripe though it may be, this wine comes with notions of polish and class to its distinctly berryish fruit, and its obvious energy and its oaky and lightly foresty overlays all work in harmony and lift the wine to the edge of stardom. Its tannins are fairly formidable and do counter any inclinations that this one is anywhere near ready to drink, yet its combination of depth and varietal focus encourages a bit of cellar time, and we would set it aside for three to six years.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.