“Another well-made, high-quality Zin from Gamba well worth seeking out.” – Jeb Dunnuck

I haven’t been this happy since I saw Punch the monkey make a friend.

But today, with GAMBA materializing at this price?!

Maybe it’s Neptune in Pisces creating an atmosphere heavy with potential for transformative change. Maybe it’s just dumb luck. Or… maybe it’s your Agents of Wine doing what they do. Every. Dang. Day.

Either way, I’m feeling like it’s time for the annual $100 scratcher from 7-11.

Anywho… in the classic Opus Vino guidebook Jim Gordon of Wine enthusiast notes that “Gamba Zinfandels have become one of the benchmarks… highly sought after with good reason; they are one of the best in Sonoma.” So, back to the lesson at hand. Gamba, ladies and gents, is without a doubt one of the BEST Zin producers around. Period. End of story. You can put them in the same league as Turley, Ridge, Brown Estate, and Beekeeper.

The Gamba family winemaking bloodline goes way back, six generations, to Northern Italy. When Agostino Luigi Gamba left his home to come to America, he landed in Sonoma, and soon after, he struck a deal on some prime vineyard land. After many years of tending the vineyards and growing fruit, his son Gus Jr. officially launched Gamba in the year 2000. The same vines that were planted in 1,900 powered their wines then, and today. And these seriously old, hand-tended, organically grown, dry-farmed vines are a huge reason why their wines command so much respect. In a brilliant vintage like 2023 that becomes so much more apparent….

They churn out insanely rich, complex, and sultry Zins. And while many come from single vineyards, this one is composed of small historic blocks of Zinfandel selected from several Russian River Valley ranches nearby. It’s loaded to the gills with deep red fruit, with “red vines” licorice, red currants, and juicy black raspberries all bursting forth. And the spices! SO many - from Szechuan peppercorn to cinnamon and allspice, they weave into the tapestry of complexity. And while it’s a big, brooding wine, it never seems heavy, hot, or thick, managing its profile well, with nice acidity and a mix of American and French oak offering a restrained and supportive role.

There’s no gambling with Gamba. These Zins are sure bets. At this price, you’re getting a certified winner. Their wines are not easily found, even at your most well-curated wine shop. And if they are, good luck finding them at this price. This is a first for us, and we’re already loading up on our fair share.

What’s left is all yours!