Opaque Zinfandel 2015
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The word ‘opaque’ means “impenetrable to light” and refers to the dark, inky color of our family’s Zinfandel. Originally from Croatia, Zinfandel is now mainly planted in California and Italy. In Italy, Zinfandel is known as Primitivo. Our estate vineyard in Paso Robles is named Quarry Heights due to its steep, rocky hillsides and view of an old quarry. The head-trained vines grow on calcareous shale soils that impart a distinct minerality to the wine. The quality of the 2015 vintage was excellent. The weather was ideal with a long growing season that provided great “hang time” for the grapes. Winemakers Anthony Riboli and Arnaud Debons work closely with multiple vineyards from various districts within Paso Robles. All vineyard owners are long-term partners in this process. Each vineyard lot is fermented separately to preserve the unique flavors of its terroir. After aging in French oak barrels for 14 months, our Zinfandel reveals ripe flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and black cherry with accents of spice and dark cocoa. Enjoy the darkness!
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Slightly tart aromas of black fruit meet with turned earth, campfire and incense on the savory nose of this bottling from the Riboli family. Cooked black-currant and olive flavors combine with roasted beef and cocoa on the thick palate.
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Opaque means impenetrable to light and refers to the dark, inky, impenetrable color of their family’s award-winning wines. Their mission is to reveal the deep, dark, and bold flavors in every bottle.
The Riboli Family has made a steadfast commitment to producing the highest quality grapes from estate vineyards in two of the most prestigious regions along California’s central coast: Monterey and Paso Robles. Opaque Wines sourced from Paso Robles estate vineyards are meticulously farmed to yield grapes with concentrated flavors and aromas and our winemaking techniques create unique wines of the highest quality and character. They pay special attention to the cultivation of their vineyards, confident you’ll taste the fruits of their passion in the complexity of their wines.
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.
Paso Robles has made a name for itself as a source of supple, powerful, fruit-driven Central Coast wines. But with eleven smaller sub-AVAs, there is actually quite a bit of diversity to be found in this inland portion of California’s Central Coast.
Just east over the Santa Lucia Mountains from the chilly Pacific Ocean, lie the coolest in the region: Adelaida, Templeton Gap and (Paso Robles) Willow Creek Districts, as well as York Mountain AVA and Santa Margarita Ranch. These all experience more ocean fog, wind and precipitation compared to the rest of the Paso sub-appellations. The San Miguel, (Paso Robles) Estrella, (Paso Robles) Geneso, (Paso Robles) Highlands, El Pomar and Creston Districts, along with San Juan Creek, are the hotter, more western appellations of the greater Paso Robles AVA.
This is mostly red wine country, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel standing out as the star performers. Other popular varieties include Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Grenache and Rhône blends, both red and white. There is a fairly uniform tendency here towards wines that are unapologetically bold and opulently fruit-driven, albeit with a surprising amount of acidity thanks to the region’s chilly nighttime temperatures.