Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out. For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2010 Dashe Cellars Todd Brothers Zinfandel.
The Winery
Dashe Cellars, founded by Michael and Ann Dashe in 1996, is an urban winery located near Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. Michael Dashe is the Winemaker, and Anne Dashe is the General Manager. Between the two, they have 40-plus years experience in the wine business, including experience at some big-time wineries such as Ridge Vineyards, Far Niente, Chappellet, Schramsberg Wine Cellars in California; Château Lafite-Rothschild, Château La Dominique in France,and Cloudy Bay in New Zealand. The winery produces about 10,000 cases annually.
The Wine
The fruit for this wine is sourced from Todd Brothers Ranch in Alexander Valley. The vineyard was planted in 1958. Fruit from the vineyard is sold exclusively to Dashe.
This is the thirteenth vintage that we’ve made wine from these great old vines grown in one of the best red-soil vineyards in Sonoma.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the vineyard, and it’s beautiful. The 50-year-old Zinfandel vines in the vineyard grow in bright red volcanic soil on steep hillsides in Geyserville. Dashe also sources fruit for their Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah from the Todd Brothers Ranch.
The grapes are fermented on native yeasts. The wine was aged for 14 months in one-year-old or older French oak barrels. It’s a blend of 97% Zinfandel, 3% Petite Sirah (both from the Todd Brothers Ranch)| 14.5% alcohol| SRP – $35| Cork closure
My tasting notes follow:
Crimson,black color mixed black and red berry, spiced, bramble and cacao aromas. On the palate, medium-bodied, energetic, and well balanced with black cherry, raspberry, bittersweet chocolate and vanilla flavor. Long finish.
Rating: A-:
Pair with: Grilled meats (try lamb), Pizza (a meat-lovers, or combination come to mind), or substantial pasta dishes with red sauce.
Related Posts:
- American Winery Guide: Dashe Cellars
- Wine of the Week: 2011 Dashe Cellars Zinfandel Les Enfants Terribles, Heart Arrow Ranch
- #Drink Pink Rose of the Week; 2012 Dashe Cellars Vin Gris
Sample purchased for review
Ratings Key:
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