92 Points
Russian River Valley
Estate
Pinot Noir 2022
91 Points
Russian River Valley Barricia Zinfandel 2023
Collection
Vineyard Designate
The wines in this collection are primarily from Sonoma County, with most vineyards located within the distinct neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley appellation. These sites are exceptional—whether for their placement on slopes and ridges, the presence of rare old vines or unique clones, or the dedication of growers with decades of proven excellence.
Barricia
Tucked into the heart of Sonoma Valley, this historic vineyard—now known as Barricia—embodies over a century of winemaking heritage and resilience. Once owned by General Mariano Vallejo, the land was traded in the 1840s to his children’s music teacher in exchange for piano lessons. Today, that humble barter lives on in the form of 100+ year-old Zinfandel vines, which have become deeply rooted in the landscape, creating a vineyard that feels more like a wild, weathered orchard than a manicured…
Story
In the 1840s, General Mariano Vallejo, a key figure in California’s early history, traded this land to his children’s music teacher in exchange for piano lessons. Over time, it evolved into a prized vineyard, now home to Zinfandel vines that have thrived for over a century. These ancient vines, deeply rooted in the region’s rich soils, produce wines of exceptional character, complexity, and depth. Today, the Barricia Vineyard continues its legacy of artistry, from music to winemaking, with each bottle telling a story of its remarkable past.
Technical Notes
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Alcohol
14.5%
TA
6.2 g/L
Aging
100% French oak, 20% new
Tasting Notes
Sourced from the historic Barricia Vineyard, this 2023 Zinfandel captures the remarkable concentration and character of century-old vines. Enticing aromas of sun-ripened blackberry, black cherry, and fragrant hillside herbs unfold in the glass. The palate is rich and expressive, revealing layers of dark plum and brambly berries accented by sweet spice, bittersweet chocolate, and a subtle hint of cracked pepper. Supple tannins and a graceful structure bring harmony and depth, culminating in a lingering, polished finish that beautifully reflects Sonoma’s storied winemaking heritage.
Accolades
91 Points
Wine Enthusiast
Pairs well with
Classic Oakville Burgers
Roast Beef Sandwiches with Olive Tapenade
Wild Mushroom Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pizza
Triple Chocolate Brownies
BBQ Pork Spareribs
Chicken Sausage Jambalaya
Chicken Braised in Red Wine
Chicken Thighs Braised in Zinfandel with Kalamata Olives Shallots
Fresh Eggplant Parmesan
Lamb Curry
Ratatouille Tart
Sun Dried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms
