Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2010

On the nose aromas of raspberries and blackberries with Zinfandel’s typical briary spiciness. The palate displays flavours of wild berries with layered nuances of cracked pepper and a touch of creamy oak. Balanced and elegantly structured.

Cooler temperatures preserved Zinfandel's juicy acidity and allowed for the grape tannins to mature on the vine while infusing scents of cracked black pepper and heightening zin's briary, spicy essence. Fine, ripe tannins add a velvety richness seldom found in Zinfandel. Elegant richness, a broad mouth feel and a lingering minerality elicit typicity and point to superior grape growing. Savoury purity of fruit with both aromas and flavours of blueberry and cherry. Pair with pizza and pasta dishes.

The Seghesio wines are now firmly established in the premier league of Zinfandel. There are three major factors behind the remarkable improvement in the quality of their wines that has been wrought by cousins Ted and Pete Seghesio in the past decade. Firstly, they decided to stop producing a full range of wines like Chardonnay, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc etc. and to focus on their amazing bequest of 400 acres of old Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Barbera in the Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys of Sonoma County.
Secondly, they hired Phil Freese, the renowned vineyard consultant, to advise them on how to obtain the best quality fruit from their vineyards. And thirdly, they hired Alberto Antonini to improve the quality of the Sangiovese and Barbera. His influence can also be seen in the style of Zinfandel they are now producing.

The Seghesio wines have a freshness (they bottle early in order to preserve fruit) and a purity of fruit, balance and elegance that is difficult to achieve with Zinfandel. This freshness is enhanced by the use of stelvin for their whites and the Sonoma County Zinfandel, something that helps retain the purity of the fruit.