Founding winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla used Zinfandel to launch her Walla Walla winery in 2001, and she takes this lot from Alder Ridge Vineyard down a deep path. The influence of Primitivo (17%) from sultry StoneTree Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope helps create aromas of black currant, blackberry, Dark Chocolate Peppermint Roca, black pepper, pipe tobacco and Horse Heaven Hills chalkboard dust. It’s far from the strawberry syrupy style of many California Zins, offering a balanced drink of Damson plum, dried blueberry and dusty black currant that’s pinched nicely by black cherry skin tannins for a medium structure. Suggested fare targets a grilled steak topped with Oregonzola.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 155 cases
Alcohol: 14.6%
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