Clos du bois Sonoma Reserve wines are testaments to the unique and varied regions of Sonoma County. This Reserve Zinfandel is signature Dry Creek Valley with peppery blackberry aromas melded with toasted vanilla oak. With ripe flavors and a seductive edge, this limited production wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for the added complexity that patience promises.

Winemaker's notes: A blend of 90% Zinfandel and 10% Petite Syrah. Deep, ruby red in color, with intense blueberry, violet, strawberry, plum, black pepper aromas with hints of vanilla and spicy oak. In the mouth it shows ripe, lush blueberry, raspberry and plum fruit. True to its Dry Creek Valley terroir, this Zinfandel is ripe and intensely flavored but balanced and not overblown.

Arrival Date: January 14, 2011.

Established in 1852 near the town of Glen Ellen in Sonoma Valley, Bucklin Old Hill Ranch is one of California’s oldest vineyards. This wine is produced from a certified organic, dry-farmed field-blend planted on Old Hill in the 1880’s. The vineyard is a mosaic of over two dozen grape varieties — principally Zinfandel, but also Grenache, Alicante Bouchet, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Syrah, Carignane, and Tempranillo, to name a few. All are blended together in this wine. The color of our signature Old Hill Zin is dark purple and the aromas are wonderfully complex.

Old Hill Zin is known for its herbal complexity and the 2006 is no exception. This spice character tends towards lavender, eucalyptus and cardamom while the fruit component has an impressive array of cherries, blackberries, and ripe plums. The French oak contributes toast and vanilla aromas while the tannins are very ripe and smooth on the finish. Follow the evolution of this wine in your glass as it opens up or decant if you are in a hurry. The wine will reach its peak maturity in 7-10 years.

90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar : "Bright red. Vibrant aromas of red berries, cherry and brown spices, with a strong undercurrent of smoky minerals. Fresh, finely etched strawberry and raspberry flavors are surprisingly concentrated and framed by silky tannins. Finishes on a sweet, stony note, with very good clarity and lingering spiciness. There's nothing at all heavy about this wine."

870 cases produced. Organic.

This wine is clean and sweet on the nose with fresh raspberry and blackberry. The mouth feel is round and robust, filling the entire palate. A velvety soft and creamy texture precedes an extremely well balanced and long, wonderful finish. Built with finesse to enjoy now but the structure for durability to last up to 8 years.

Only 200 cases produced.

Rich soil, warm Lodi sun, and cool San Francisco breezes, in combination with natural viticultural practices enable Windmill Estates to produce fine wines. Generations ago, they recognized the potential of the Lodi region. Today, they carry on the tradition of nurturing the old vines as well as promising new varietals. This wine carries aromas of sweet black cherries and juicy licorice on the nose. With full flavors filling the mouth of cocoa, raspberry jam, and roasted coffee bean.

Rancho Zabaco is named for one of the original Mexican land grants in Northern Sonoma and is inspired by the rich wine-making heritage of this growing area. Made with grapes from top vineyards throughout Sonoma County, this wine combines the best qualities of Zinfandel fruit by balancing juicy ripe blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors with an underlying hint of pepper. This wine pairs with dishes that range from simple grilled meats and roast chicken or turkey with sage, to more exotically spiced Mediterranean cuisine.

Zinfandel vines have been thriving in Sonoma County during the last three centuries. When Rodney Strong first acquired benchland acreage on the west side of the Russian River, he wisely chose to leave untouched the 15 acres of old, gnarled zinfandel vines that had been growing there since 1904. Today, Rodney Strong Vineyards still harvests zinfandel from those same old vines, along with a handful of vineyards in the Alexander Valley. Fresh, bright berry fruit from our heritage Russian River vineyard combined with the ripe peppery jamminess from Alexander Valley vineyards make for wonderful diversity of flavor showcasing the best that zinfandel can offer in one wine. Aging for 10 months in French and American oak enhances the zinfandel's inherent spicy qualities, while the ebullient fruit of this medium rich wine suggests enjoyment over the next 2 to 4 years.

This wine has a nose that is full of dark fruits and a complex array of brooding flavors. Aromas of blackberry, minerals, cracked pepper, blueberry pie, and sweet oak mingle harmoniously. The front palate is full of ripe and juicy tannins. This Zinfandel has plenty of structure for those of you who would like to lay it down. However, the tannins are broad shouldered without sharp edges for those who want to drink it now. The finish persists long after the last sip is gone; a combination of the structure and balanced acidity that have become a Mauritson hallmark. Easily enjoyed over the next 6-8 years.

A blend of three estate vineyards, this 100% Zinfandel wine expresses classic Dry Creek Valley Zin characteristcs. Aged 14 months in French and American oak barrels.

540 cases produced.