Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes mainly from old-vine blocks at Saini Farms on the Dry Creek bench. Planted in 1926 and cultivated by fourth-generation members of the Saini family, these are among Dry Creek Valley’s oldest vineyard blocks. Their gravelly, red clay-loam soil drains readily, placing the vines under stress that promotes concentration and structure. The Seghesio and Saini families have worked together for four generations.
Grapes
100% Zinfandel.
Vinification
The grapes were sorted by hand and destemmed into small open-top stainless-steel fermenters. Pneumatic punch-downs managed the cap. Fermentation on the skins lasted 9–15 days, after which the wine was drained into barrel to complete malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
The wine spent 15 months in barrel. The élevage comprised 11% new French oak, with the remainder in neutral French and American oak and 10% puncheons. It was racked twice, blended after 10 months of ageing, and returned to barrel for a further five months before bottling.
Technical data
2021 vintage. Alcohol: 15%. pH: 3.91. Total acidity: 5.6 g/L. Production: 1,053 cases.
Tasting profile
Bright yet earthy aromas evoke cherry cola and blackberry pie. The palate combines intensity and structural depth with silky, dense fruit. Dark-chocolate shavings, star anise and raspberry emerge as the wine develops, followed by a rich, lingering finish dusted with spice.
Serving and pairing
Pair with grilled steak, spicy marinated lamb kebabs, aged Gouda, or pasta dressed with a meat-based tomato ragù.
Vintage notes
The 2021 growing season brought limited water supplies and eventual irrigation bans in Dry Creek and Alexander valleys. Few episodes of extreme heat allowed gradual ripening without significant dehydration or loss of acidity. Low moisture around budbreak and flowering reduced yields in some varieties, concentrating flavor while preserving varietal character and a vibrant mouthfeel.
