Quivira Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2012
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Spirits
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Wong
Wilfred
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A perfect wine to serve with grilled pork chops (in fact its great with just about anything off the grill) or with a hearty bowl of spaghetti bolognese.
Blend: 89% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 1% Carignane
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
With its brambly fruit and peppery, earthen tannins, Quivira’s 2012 is spot-on Dry Creek zin. It feels concentrated yet fresh, lasting on a woody spice tone that seems to come from the fruit rather than oak—an impression of sap drawn through a vine toward the sun. Pour it at cellar temperature this summer with grilled pork chops.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
One of the most honest zinfandels you will ever find, the 2012 Quivira Dry Creek Zinfandel is on point in every way. Plenty of berries, with a good mix of savory earth. Medium to deep ruby color; fairly bright raspberry aroma, a note of dried leaves, very honest and terroir-driven, medium bodied, zippy and textured on the palate, medium tannins; dry, medium acidity, well balanced; ripe berries, sweet earth an light oak in the flavors; medium finish, relatively soft aftertaste. (Tasted: January 8, 2016, San Francisco, CA)
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Family owned since its founding in 1981, proprietors Pete and Terri Kight were drawn to the estate's natural beauty and unspoiled rural character. With 63 acres of vines planted at Wine Creek Ranch, and another 26 at two sites close by, today Quivira Vineyards is a leading producer of Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Rhône varieties, with a reputation for intentional winegrowing and a thoughtful commitment to organic farming.
Quivira’s environmental stewardship has been all-encompassing. Beginning in 1998, we partnered with conservation agencies in restoring Wine Creek and Dry Creek for their native Steelhead and Coho populations. We keep beehives to promote pollination of our garden’s genetically diverse produce varieties and raise animals to provide fertilization material. It is our philosophy that the vines are only as healthy as the entire ranch therefore we farm holistically and sustainably, and further our commitment with each vintage.
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.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.