High Valley Vineyards Zinfandel 2018
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Wilfred
Wong
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Winemaker Notes
The 2018 Zinfandel from High Valley is naturally structured and develops a good level of spice. For balance, barrels are chosen that bring in a sweet, toasted characteristic to the wine.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 High Valley Vineyard Zinfandel is generous and elevated on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine delivers explosive ripe berry aromas and flavors. Pair it with a highly-seasoned, oven-baked Porchetta. (Tasted: May 12, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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2020-
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Enthusiast
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Wine
Enthusiast
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Wilfred
Wong
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Wine
Enthusiast
The vineyards hug the mountain rims along the south-east edge of High Valley AVA. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes and pristine wilderness, the story of High Valley is clearly visible from our property. At 2,200 feet, on top of the Terre Vermeille vineyard look to your south, you'll see the deep blue waters of Clear Lake, that provide cooling winds throughout our long summer days. Turn to the west, and you can distinguish where the lava flows give way to the alluvial fan of the ancient lake bed on the valley floor. And from the north, and you can feel the cold night winds from Snow Mountain and the peaks of the Mendocino National Forest.
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.
Sitting on the northeast side of the Clear Lake appellation, this warm area boasts multiple soil types that allow growers a lot of flexibility and experimentation with grape varieties. While Sauvignon blanc is a mainstay, this zone excels with Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, as well as other less common varieties like Barbera and Tempranillo.