We haven’t had a Zin from Dry Creek Valley’s Bradford Mountain in some time and, darn it, we’ve missed the unique character of that beloved vineyard source. We’re thrilled to offer you today’s wonderful Peterson Winery 2012 Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, from the masters of Bradford themselves!

This Zinfandel has excellent color consistency with garnet spreading from the core the edge with a very thin ring of crimson at the meniscus. The nose is a fun and different medley of uncommon fruit notes. It’s got a great “foxy” nose of concord grape with nectarine, marmalade, lychee, and raspberry - wow! The palate is bright with flavors ranging from boysenberry and tart red plum to marzipan and caramel with a healthy serving of allspice to round things out. It’s got wonderfully bright acidity that really perks this wine up and serves up a cheerful array of fruit notes from start to finish. Break convention and start your meal with Zinfandel, serving this wine with an opening course of prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe.

Grower Fred Peterson has been growing grapes and making Peterson wines in California for the last quarter century. Fred’s son, Jamie, literally grew up in the winery, shadowing his father and learning the craft from a very young age. Fred, who now focuses on growing, has handed the winemaking over to Jamie who, for the last several vintages, has been crafting one remarkable and delicious Peterson wine after another.

Thanks for 10 great years, Peterson! We love you guys!

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Here’s what the wine press has to say.

90 Points - Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast - “A tang of black cherry and citrus elevates the palate of this light-bodied wine, which is soft and well integrated in terms of oak and tannin. With 10% Petite Sirah and 8% Carignane, it’s strong in leather and black pepper, with a lean, juicy finish.”