2016 Amapola Creek Zinfandel 'Monte Rosso Vineyard,' Sonoma Valley

Winemaker Richard Arrowood has over 50 years of experience making wines in Sonoma County. He founded Amapola Creek in 2007 as a small but modern winery in keeping with their philosophy of minimal intervention winemaking.

The nose of this wine opens onto a delightful tableau of tiny red berries, balanced against just a nuance of cedar. On swirling, the nose will deepen, showing the layered beauty that is what an old vine Zinfandel can be. Take a moment, and plump raspberries, tart red currants, and just a hint of blueberry jam will unfold. Take a sip, and you will find a rich bed of tannins backing up a bracing acidity. Notice how the front of the palate is crisp, with a distinct character of tart Rainier cherries, and also how it quickly mellows into soft layers of rich brambleberry and cocoa. Overall, this wine is beautifully balanced and designed to age. This wine is unfined and unfiltered.