2019 Bella Zinfandel

100% Zinfandel from dry farmed, old vines in the Dry Creek Valley and Rockpile AVAs in Sonoma County. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in a combination of neutral and used French oak. 14.5% alcohol. This is a balanced, site-expressive Zinfandel with restraint and spice—not the syrupy caricature Zin can sometimes become. It’s a throwback to when Zin was a table wine—spicy, energetic, and food-friendly, with the guts to go long but the grace to go wide. Aromas of black raspberry, clove, crushed violets, and sweet tobacco lead the way. On the palate, it’s all about texture and movement—bright red cherry and brambly blackberry layered with dried sage, black pepper, and cocoa powder. There’s freshness from Dry Creek’s natural acidity and a savory edge from Rockpile’s rugged terrain. The oak stays in the background—more framing than flavor—and the tannins are present but polished.  This is Zin with real direction: warm-fruited and welcoming, but structured and honest.