We were floored by this rare Primitivo clone of Zinfandel from Sonoma’s rural Knights Valley. Oozing with the ripe, dusty, berry charm of Zin plus deeper notes of rock and hillside spices, Speedy Creek taps into something special on their gorgeous mountain vineyard which was planted by Robert Mondavi himself.

Ultra-luxury (and ultra-expensive) Peter Michael and Verite are usually the only wineries in Sonoma’s Knights Valley that wine drinkers instantly recognize. After all, this remote, mountainous AVA contains fewer than 10 wineries!

It’s no surprise that Speedy Creek Vineyard is largely unknown, but it quietly makes one of California’s most exciting single vineyard Zins. Robert Mondavi planted the vineyard to the original Italian Primitivo clone of Zinfandel. He felt that the volcanic mountain soil had the potential for Zin greatness.

Thirty years later, it’s pretty clear that he was spot on. Speedy Creek Zinfandel is an undiscovered star of the highly-regarded Knights Valley.

“Aromas of dark berries, licorice, tobacco, spice and smoky cedar. The flavors are elegant with hefty layers of crushed raspberries, dark plum, wild strawberries, pomegranate, rustic spices, and roasted walnuts. As a result, the longer the wine develops in the glass, the richness of the flavors become more pronounced. Overall, it’s a magnificent offering of Zinfandel with true mountain character.” - 96 Points - Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier and Wine Critic