Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve
Frei Brothers 2019 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
2019
$23.00
About this winery
Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve is rooted in unparalleled expertise of Sonoma County, developed over our 125 years of growing wine on our Dry Creek Valley Ranch. To ensure the true varietal character of each grape shines through in our wines, Winegrower Scott Johnsen begins by growing the right grapes in the places where they grow best. This gives our Frei Brothers wines clarity in flavor that can only be found from vines grown in their ideal place, allowing our winemakers to craft a collection of...
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Product notes
A classic example of a region ideally matched to a variety, this 2019 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is rich, well-structured and full-bodied. The wine opens with focused aromas of ripe blackberry, cranberry and black licorice. On the layered, fruit forward palate, brambly notes of plum compote, black cherry and boysenberry are backed beautifully by subtle hints of sweet spices and cola on the lengthy finish.
Production notes
Located in the heart of Sonoma County, the uniquely narrow Dry Creek Valley is characterized by very warm days, cool nights and a long growing season. In the evening, cool maritime influences enter from the southern portion of the valley, where the Dry Creek flows into the Russian River. One of the most distinguished regions for California Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley terroir produces exceptionally ripe and generous wines that are refined in their structure, body and complexity. The 2019 vintage started with cool temperatures from winter to spring. Summer followed suit, staying moderate with no heat spikes. Harvest began later than previous vintages; however, some winegrowers report that the timing was more the norm. After a longer growing season, the 2019 vintage yielded berries with deep flavor and excellent color.
Tasting notes
In traditional closed-top fermenters, we cold soaked for two days to express maximum aromatics. We then fermented between 78°F and 85°F with a blend of yeast strains to encourage fruit-forward notes in the finished wine, with a few small lots fermented in seven-ton open top fermenters for soft texture. Co-fermented with a small amount of Petite Sirah for added spice, structure and dark fruit characteristics. Barrel aged for an average of 14 months in 30% new French (25%) and American (5%) oak for added layers of texture and sweetness. Remainder aged in 2 to 3-year-old barrels for flavor and mouthfeel evolution.