Bruce Patch is back, with another stellar Zinfandel. This one made at Deerfield, under the watchful eye of Robert Rex. Today, Bruce shares with us his stunner Single Vineyard Zin, the 2014 Harris Kratka Vineyard Alexander Valley Zinfandel.

This wine was a big hit here at HQ!

On the nose, this wine is lush and full. Aromas abound, with black cherry, blackberry, chocolate covered cherry, red licorice, cassis, plum, leather, spice box and cracked pepper.

Juicy and jammy on the palate, with flavors of ripe blackberry, plum, cassis, young strawberry, leather, spice box, subtle tobacco, earthy minerals and cracked pepper.

Alexander Valley in northeast Sonoma County is located on the western side of the Mayacamas range and extends westward to the edge of the Russian River Valley. This appellation was formerly considered a part of Dry Creek Valley, but became its own appellation in November 1984. The region is best known for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot but recently people are starting to discover its Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Chardonnay as well.

Enjoy!!

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Here’s what the wine press has to say:

91 points - Tom Lee, Zinfandel Chronicles - “Bright crimson in color. Brooding nose of dark fruits, earth and white pepper. Big and plush on the palate with medium acidity. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry and dark cocoa. The finish is long and sweet with sneaky tannins. Well made Zinfandel from a super vineyard. Drink over the next 3-5 years.”

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91 pts - Isaac Baker, Terroirist.com - “Deep ruby colored. A bunch of dusty, earthy, savory spice aromas, plenty of elegant floral tones, all on top of sweet red berries. Large and in-charge (15.4%), structured but silky, medium/low acidity keeps it from being too weighed down. Raspberry jam, juicy black cherries and currants, lots of rose petals, green herbs, charcoal and smashed rock flavors. Complex and evocative. Huge and hedonistic but maintains mystique. I’d love to see how this ages over the next three or four years. Aged 18 months in French and American oak, this wine includes 10% Carignan, 5% Petite Sirah.

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Gold Medal, Chairman’s Award - Orange County Fair, June 2016

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Michelle Williams, Rockin Red Blog - “Opaque ruby with deep purple hues; warm notes of blackberries, cherries, plums, and pomegranate marmalade simmering on the stove, with baking spices and a cherry cola sweetness; cherry cola persists on the palate in an unexpected yet pleasing experience, balanced tannins and acidity with a touch of natural sweetness though structured with an earthiness as well, full-body, silky mouth-feel, long cola finish.