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2010 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel Sonoma County
- Zinfandel
- Written by Fred Swan
- Tuesday, 24 April 2012 19:26
There are many excellent single-vineyard Zinfandel bottlings. They are distinct, interesting and reflect both the vintage and the vineyard’s terroir. On the other hand, single-vineyard wines can be pricey, too much so for most people’s every day drinking. And they are produced in low volume, so finding the one you want on the spur of the moment can be difficult.
It’s good to have a high-quality regional blend as a “go-to” wine. The blends can still have unique personalities, whether that’s a regional character or house style. They reflect vintage, but more subtly. Less variation from year to year makes regional blends a reliable choice even when you’ve not tried a particular vintage yet. The blending process also allows winemakers to smooth out rough edges and fill in gaps to create a wine that will appeal to a broader range of drinkers. Bottle prices are usually lower than single-vineyards wines, volumes higher. And you can find them.
Seghesio’s Sonoma Zinfandel has long been one of my top choices among regional Zinfandels. Most of the grapes come from Seghesio estate vineyards, three in Dry Creek Valley and one in Alexander Valley. The wine is consistently good and full of prototypical Zinfandel character. It’s also a wine that is pretty easy to afford and locate in stores. I purchased the bottle I reviewed at Bevmo for about $22. You can even find the wine overseas at places like Tesco sometimes. That's a rarity for quality Zinfandel.
The 2010 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel Sonoma County is medium-plus ruby in color with welcoming aromas of candied black cherry, caramel, coconut and vanilla. The palate is spot on for Zinfandel. The body is medium to medium-plus and supple with moderate, fine-grained tannins that smooth out after five minutes in the glass. Core flavors of black cherry, blackberry and blueberry are complemented by notes of spice, oak and cocoa. Highly Recommended.
2010 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel Sonoma County
Rating: Highly Recommended
Drink: Now through 2015
Release Date: October, 2011
Closure: Cork
Retail Price: $24.00
Blend: Zinfandel with Petite Sirah
Origin: Sonoma County, predominantly Home Ranch, San Lorenzo and River Road in Alexander Valley, and Cortina in Dry Creek Valley
Aging: 10 months in oak barrels, 75% American (10% new), 25% French (all neutral)
Alcohol: 14.8%
Service Recommendations
Decanting: Not required
Temperature: 60º - 63º F
Food Pairing: fire up the grill
The wine above was purchased for review.
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This article is original to NorCalWine.com. Copyright 2012 NorCal Wine. All rights reserved.