2023 Primitivo

We love this wine—and no, it’s not Zinfandel. This release is an exceptionally food-friendly wine, especially with chicken dishes. It has a solid backbone, elegant structure, and vibrant acidity, all wrapped in a deep ruby-red hue. The tannins are velvety yet moderate, balancing beautifully with bright red and dark fruit and a delicate floral profile.

Notes of bing cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, and cranberry shine through, accompanied by hints of blond tobacco and a savory and spicey, sweet earthiness. The barrel aging enhances the wine’s depth, adding layers of cinnamon, caramel, and a rich tobacco influence.

Vineyard: Our grapes are from one of the top growers in California, Ann Kramer in Sutter Creek, Sierra foothills. . Primitivo is our Italian expression of Cal-Ital Zinfandel and is known in Italy for its range of styles from Northern to Southern Italy. Shake Ridge Ranch, elevation of 1600-1800. In short order, this vineyard has proven to be a true star. The Ranch is on very steep undulating hills a few miles east from Sutter Creek, in Amador County, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Shake Ridge features some 42 acres of wine grapes in numerous blocks, each of which has its own unique combination of slope, exposure, aspect and soil mix. Soils at the property consist of well-drained loams on a base that ranges from quartz and soapstone to shale and, here and there, a bit of granite. Enjoy now with decanting or age 3-6 years.