Clif Family 2022 'Valle di Sotto Estate Vineyard' Napa Valley Zinfandel

Clif Family 2022 'Valle di Sotto Estate Vineyard' Napa Valley Zinfandel

dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit

Mission Codename Livin’ on the Edge

At 93 Points and almost two-thirds off… this Zin QPR is off the charts! We know how you like your Zin - big, juicy, dark and robust. And this delivers on all fronts.

But let’s start at the beginning…

Our dear Agent Noir has one of the best palates in the industry. Ask any Master of Wine, winemaker, or industry veteran who knows him. They will gladly tell you his bona-fides are bona-fide.

And he is famously picky when it comes to what some call ‘California’s own grape,’ the one-and-only… Zinfandel!

When we poured him this, well, he lost it!

Bursting with blueberry and purple fruit aromas that flow from the glass like a tidal wave, there’s an undercurrent of exotic spices, floral character, and earth that show a complexity spilling over the palate flawlessly. With chewy tannins and plenty of freshness to back up its luscious fruit, the wine is poised and elegant in contrast to its hedonistic fruit. A hint of toasted spice and espresso adds to the overall richness throughout its dense, peppery finish.

At the full SRP, all this makes sense. But in the mid $20s?!

Clif Family is one of the hidden gems of Napa Valley. It was recently named one of the Best Wineries with Food by Eater and one of the Favorite Wineries in Napa to Visit by the San Francisco Chronicle. A visit to their tasting room and Food Truck in Saint Helena, you’ll wonder which is better – the food or the wine…

And that’s the point. Started in 2004 by Kit Crawford and Gary Erickson, the secret to their success is tied to their holistic approach to food and wine as inseparable elements. Their 90 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards are matched by their restaurant’s farm-to-table ethos, sourced mostly from their own plantings.

Press Democrat reports, “As one of only four wineries in Napa Valley to become a Certified B Corporation, Clif Family has long embedded environmental and social responsibility into its business model, using it as a framework for decision-making rather than a separate initiative.” They go on to mention, “Today, Clif Family grows 10 grape varieties across 90 acres of organically farmed vineyards in the Howell Mountain and Oak Knoll District appellations. All of its estate vineyards are certified organic and regeneratively farmed.”

But the real powerhouse behind it is winemaker Laura Barrett. After getting her Enology Masters from UC Davis, she went on to work with renowned consultant Mia Klein (known for her contributions to Dalla Valle, Palmaz, Araujo) and the inimitable Aaron Pott (Greer, Seven Stones, Blackbird, and his own, Pott), among others. She’s been the driving force for their wines now for over a decade.

This Zin comes from their Estate vineyard just north of the city of Napa, where the up-and-coming Oak Knoll District lies. A prime location where the sun provides plenty of ripeness for powerful fruit, but that is close enough to the cooling influence of the San Pablo Bay to ensure structure and balance. It’s the perfect expression of the variety’s bold fruit, spice, but also nuance and finesse.

You probably know by now this is the part where we say they don’t make enough to go around. They really don’t!

It’s the kind of insider deal, and a crazy price that we hope you rely upon us for!

Snap ‘em up while you can!!!

93 Points – The Wine Independent “Deep garnet-purple colored, it sails out with notes of blueberry pie and black cherry compote, giving way to hints of dried roses, fallen leaves, and star anise. The full-bodied palate bursts with juicy black and blue fruits, supported by lightly chewy tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing on a fragrant earth note. Drink 2025-2032.”

92 Points – Wine Spectator “Snappy and vibrant, with zesty raspberry and pomegranate flavors that take on green peppercorn and espresso accents. Finishes with briary tannins. Drink now through 2032.”

92 Points – Wine Enthusiast “Robust and full-bodied, this Zinfandel-based blend combines raspberry leaf and hibiscus with spiced cherries and red fruits. Juicy, and flavorful, carrying into a long finish.”

P.S. Seriously… Clif Family is THAT awesome! Next time you’re in Napa, you need to check them out. Let’s put this another way – we were recently at a party for a friend and notable vintner in Saint Helena. A big insider event. Some of Napa’s most prominent winemakers (Russell Bevan, Andy Erickson, Helen Keplinger, et al.) were eating and drinking and throwing down… And guess who was catering?

Read Full Review
Hide Full Review

What the Winery Says 2022 'Valle di Sotto Estate Vineyard' Napa Valley Zinfandel

Clif Family
Clif Family
Winemaker
Laura Barrett
Varietals
97% Zinfandel, 3% Petit Sirah
Vintage
2022
Alcohol
15.1%
Appellation
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley
Vineyard
Valle di Sotto Vineyard
Aging
14 months
Barrels
13% new French oak

About the Winery Clif Family

Clif Family Winemaker Laura Barrett
Clif Family Winemaker Laura Barrett

WHAT THE AGENTS SAY Agent Picks

Agent Noir
This will drown you in flavor, guaranteed.
Clif Family 2022 'Valle di Sotto Estate Vineyard' Napa Valley Zinfandel 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired May 04, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Register to get notified when this wine is back in stock:
Sign Up For Free
Clif Family 2022 'Valle di Sotto Estate Vineyard' Napa Valley Zinfandel 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired May 04, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Register to get notified when this wine is back in stock:
Sign Up For Free