Zinfandel Duo!

Visitors to Jessup cellars will have basked the stories and excitement that we share for our Jessup Cellars Zinfandels. Our Alexander Valley Zinfandel is a fan favorite among our long-time Jessup club members and first-time tasting room visitors. 2018 release is no exception however this year we have something else to tickle your taste buds.

First, let us quickly boast about our long-admired all-American hallmark for the uninitiated. Our Alexander Valley Zinfandel quickly allures with rich bursts of ripe stone fruit and a mixed medley of late summer berries. Layers of baked boysenberries, cherries, plum and peak-season mulberries meld together with hints of juniper berry and black pepper. If one word was used to describe our Alexander Valley Zinfandel, it must be “mature”. Rob’s sourcing of old-vine fruit from St. Clair Vineyard in the warm Alexander Valley AVA delivers Zinfandel with a succulent and rounded tannin structure. 15 months aging in old Chardonnay barrels welcomes depth and added complexity. All it asks in return is a great summer feast. Pair loud and proud with Good ‘ol American BBQ, saucy and sweet ribs, hamburgers with blue cheese, roasted chicken, lasagna, or Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese on toast with fig jam.

Our Jessup Cellars Dry Creek Zinfandel is the baby brother to our Alexander Valley expression. The world-first release of our Dry Creek Zinfandel presents a similar style, yet uniquely lighter and brighter. Side by side you will appreciate the romantic ruby red hue and peppery-cherry characteristics of the Dry Creek appellation. The nose expresses bright and fragrant aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, fresh orchard figs and stewed blueberry with the added lift of lavender, cocoa powder, and cigar box aromas. The wine is perfectly dry on the palate with smooth elegant mouthfeel resulting from 15 months aging in French oak barrels. The approachable, fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity are the driving attraction behind this soon to be iconic wine among the Jessup collection. If you’re feeling festive, we highly suggest an outdoor feast of grilled Lamb rack or aged rib-eye steaks, boozy Beef Bourguignon or smoky mushroom shawarma.

For the history buffs among us, the Dry Creek region of Sonoma Valley has winegrowing roots dating back to the 1850s California gold rush, when Eastern European immigrants influenced viticulture in Russian River and Dry Creek.

The Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Zinfandels both weigh in at a masculine 16.1% alcohol. The optimal quality viticulture will allow each to further evolve in the cellar. Drink them today or age 2 to 4 years. Our team has been hard at work crushing more grapes than ever before to keep up with demand. While our 2018 Alexander Valley is available year-round, our Dry Creek Zinfandel is available on exclusive pre-release for members ahead of its wider release this coming fall. For members looking to add-on some special to their fall Wine Club shipments please do so today by calling us at 707-944-5620 and we’ll arrange for it ship in time for Thanksgiving.