Zinfandel 2018, Bernier Zinyard
In Stock
Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Zinfandel
Appellation
Dry Creek Valley
Vineyard Designation
Bernier Zinyard
Harvest Date
9/10/2018
Acid
6.4 g/L
pH
3.71
Aging
22 months in 100% 6-10 year-old neutral oak barrels
Bottling Date
8/7/2020
Alcohol %
14.9
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Aromas of black raspberry and ripe cherry merge
with traces of tobacco and loamy earth. The gentle
silken entry flows into an expressive mid-palate
of black cherry, raspberry, blackberry and dried
strawberry. A subtle blend of toasty oak, sweet
tobacco and brown spices weaves through the ripe
fruit flavors. Hints of sassafras appear as the wine
nears the finish and lingers.
Vineyard Notes
Why call it a Zinyard? Originally, long time Dry
Creek Valley farmers Paul and Yael Bernier planted
only Zinfandel on the hillside behind their house
on Canyon Road on the northern end of the
valley. To honor the traditions of many of the early
Italian immigrant growers, as well as enhance the
Zinfandel, they later planted a small block of Petite
Sirah alongside the Zin, just above the row of peach
and pear trees we sometimes enjoy while sampling
the vines.
Although the Zinfandel vines were planted in 1990,
the Bernier Zinyard makes old-time growers feel
they are walking into the past when they stroll
among the vines. It is a traditional dry-farmed,
head-trained (non-trellised) vineyard with Italo
Sbragio’s old clone Zin grafted on to
St. George rootstock.
This combination of influences embodies the very
roots of Dry Creek Valley viticulture and reflects
Peterson Winery’s values of savoring and embracing
time-honored, traditional farming.
Food Pairing Notes
Although the flavors seem almost delicate, this Zin
perfectly complements chicken tikka masala, and
also pairs beautifully with cedar planked salmon with
a honey garlic glaze.