Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2022

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2022

 

Zoom Mouse over image to zoom
Seghesio
Sonoma Zinfandel 2022
  • Vintage : 2022
  • Country : USA
  • Region : California
  • Subregion : Sonoma
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 15°
  • Grappes : 86% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Syrah, 2% Alicante Bouschet

Sonoma Zinfandel is a bold and vibrant expression of Sonoma County, blending Zinfandel with Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet for a wine of exceptional depth and richness.

Experts Score Vintage
WS Wine Spectator 93 2022
JD Jeb Dunnuck 90 2019
WE Wine Enthusiast 90 2018
DCT Decanter 90 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Sonoma Zinfandel 2020 is sourced from Sonoma County’s premier vineyard sites, including the Sonoma Valley, Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and Dry Creek Valley. This wine represents Seghesio’s vision of Sonoma Zinfandel, blending fruit from estate vineyards (55%) with grapes from long-standing grower partnerships (45%).

The 2020 vintage was defined by lower-than-average rainfall, leading to a moderate growing season punctuated by heatwaves and a challenging wildfire season. Despite these difficulties, rigorous vineyard selection and careful management ensured high-quality grapes with concentrated fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and complex phenolics.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-harvested in small lots and underwent over 150 separate fermentations, showcasing the distinct characteristics of each vineyard block. Fermentation techniques included 65% closed-top pump-over fermentation, 25% small open-top fermentation with punch-down cap management, and 10% rotary tank fermentation, optimizing fruit expression and tannin structure.

The wine was aged for 10 months in 15% once-filled American oak barrels and 85% neutral French and American oak barrels. Rigorous attention to quality ensured the wine was free from smoke contamination, with racking only after malolactic fermentation and again before blending and bottling.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep garnet red with a brilliant sheen.
  • Aroma: Intense notes of currant, plum, and black raspberry, complemented by savory accents of black olive, anise, and allspice.
  • Palate: A bright and lively entry of briary black raspberry evolves into a bold mid-palate, with supple, lively tannins. The powerful finish is both lingering and well-structured.

Did you know?

Sonoma Zinfandel 2020 is crafted from over 150 individual lots harvested and fermented separately. This meticulous approach allows Seghesio to create a wine that embodies the diverse terroirs of Sonoma County while maintaining exceptional quality and balance.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Braised short ribs: The wine’s bold fruit and spice notes enhance the deep, savory flavors of this classic dish.
  • Pork belly with a caramelized glaze: The richness of the pork pairs beautifully with the wine’s bright acidity and supple tannins.
  • Gnocchi with Gorgonzola sauce: The creamy, tangy profile of the dish is balanced by the wine’s fruit intensity and spice.
  • Barbecue brisket: The smoky, meaty flavors of brisket are complemented by the wine’s briary and savory characteristics.

History of Seghesio Family Vineyards

The history of Seghesio Family Vineyards began in 1895, when Edoardo Seghesio, an Italian immigrant from Piedmont, planted his first Zinfandel vines at the Home Ranch Vineyard in Alexander Valley. Edoardo’s ambition was to bring the robust winemaking traditions of Italy to California’s fertile soils. His efforts laid the foundation for the family’s legacy of producing high-quality wines, particularly Zinfandel.

During Prohibition, the family adapted by producing sacramental and table wines, preserving the vineyards through challenging times. In the mid-20th century, Edoardo’s son, Angelo Seghesio, expanded the winery's holdings and introduced innovative vineyard techniques. By the 1990s, Seghesio was recognized as one of Sonoma’s premier Zinfandel producers, with their old-vine vineyards producing wines of exceptional character and depth.

Today, under the stewardship of the fourth and fifth generations, the Seghesio family combines their heritage with sustainable practices, ensuring the vineyards continue to thrive. The winery’s inclusion in the Crimson Wine Group since 2011 has enabled continued growth while maintaining its family values and traditions.

Region and Vineyards

Seghesio’s vineyards span 300+ acres across Sonoma County, encompassing appellations such as Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley. These regions provide a range of microclimates and soils that allow for a diverse portfolio of wines, though Zinfandel remains the flagship.

The historic Home Ranch Vineyard in Alexander Valley is the heart of Seghesio’s identity. Planted in 1895, it features some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California, still producing small, concentrated yields with remarkable intensity. The Montafi Vineyard in Russian River Valley, planted with 94-year-old Zinfandel vines, further demonstrates Seghesio’s commitment to preserving heritage sites.

The terroirs range from the gravelly loam soils of Dry Creek Valley, which provide excellent drainage, to volcanic and sandy soils in other regions, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines. The cool Pacific breezes temper the heat, resulting in wines that balance ripe fruit with refreshing acidity.

Sustainability is integral to Seghesio’s approach, with all vineyards Certified Sustainable. Practices include planting cover crops, eliminating synthetic herbicides like glyphosate, and fostering biodiversity through natural predator habitats.

Wine Range

Seghesio Family Vineyards offers a diverse portfolio of wines, including:

  • Seghesio Sonoma Chardonnay: A modern take on California Chardonnay, offering vibrant acidity, rich citrus and stone fruit flavors, and a hint of oak for added complexity.
  • Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel: A flagship wine showcasing the bold and juicy character of Sonoma Zinfandel, with wild blackberry, savory spices, and a long, persistent finish.
  • Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel: Made from vines averaging 75 years of age, this wine delivers concentrated wild berry flavors, subtle spices, and velvety tannins, reflecting the power and elegance of old vines.
  • Seghesio Cortina Zinfandel: A Dry Creek Valley classic with vibrant blue fruit, delicate spices, and an elegant structure, showcasing the gravelly loam soils that define the vineyard’s terroir.

Did you know?

Seghesio Family Vineyards has been instrumental in preserving California’s old-vine Zinfandel vineyards, ensuring these historic vines remain productive for future generations. Their focus on Zinfandel has helped elevate its status, showcasing the variety as one of the most iconic expressions of Sonoma terroir.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 93 Points (2022)
Vivacious and briary, this Zin is generous with personality, offering blackberry, licorice and orange peel accents that zip along the zesty finish.

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) : 90 Points (2019)
The appellation 2019 Zinfandel Sonoma is a charming, fruit-forward effort with plenty of blueberry and cherry-like fruit as well as classic spice box and peppery herbs. Medium-bodied and nicely textured, with chewy tannins, it doesn't quite have the texture of the others, but it’s nevertheless incredibly charming and satisfying.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 90 Points (2018)
This offering is blended with smaller amounts of Petite Sirah, Carignan and mixed reds. Juicy and generous in blackberry and vanilla, it is a broadly appealing style, utilizing both American and French oak.

Decanter (DCT) : 90 Points (2018)
Classic California! Ripe, fruit-forward and jammy with blueberry, raspberry and Bing cherry flavours laying the groundwork for zesty white pepper spice, subtle tannins and a lively acidity. This is a go-to Friday night wine, perfect for burgers, pizza and charcuterie. (SS) (8/2020)

Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel 2021
Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel 2021
Seghesio
Old Vines Zinfandel 2021
JD
91
WS
94
WE
90
Old Vine Zinfandel is a bold and complex wine, crafted from vines averaging 75 years old, delivering briary fruit, spice, and an intense, velvety structure.
53,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Seghesio Cortina Zinfandel 2019
Seghesio Cortina Zinfandel 2019
Seghesio
Cortina Zinfandel 2019
WS
93
JD
93
WE
91
The Cortina Zinfandel from Seghesio is a masterful expression of Dry Creek Valley terroir, offering bright blue fruit, delicate spice, and an elegant structure from nearly 50-year-old vines.
60,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Seghesio Sonoma Chardonnay 2022
Seghesio Sonoma Chardonnay 2022
Seghesio
Sonoma Chardonnay 2022
JS
90
This elegantly crafted Chardonnay combines crisp pear, lemon curd, and vanilla notes, delivering a lively and refreshing wine with a unique twist of Vermentino.
32,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2021
Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2021
Seghesio
Home Ranch Zinfandel 2021
JD
92
WS
93
W&S
93
The Home Ranch Zinfandel by Seghesio is a powerful and elegant expression of Zinfandel, crafted from the historic vines of Alexander Valley, showcasing over a century of winemaking heritage.
70,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
35,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
We also suggest...
USA
94 Wine Spectator
Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel 2021
Seghesio Old Vines Zinfandel 2021
Old Vine Zinfandel is a bold and complex wine, crafted from vines averaging 75 years old, delivering briary fruit, spice, and an intense, velvety structure.
Old Vines Zinfandel 2021
53,90 €
USA
91 Wines & Spirits
Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2019
Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2019
Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay by Shafer Vineyards is a quintessential expression of Carneros, Napa Valley terroir, reflecting the unique characteristics and quality of the region. This wine stands as a testament to the meticulous care and passion that Shafer Vineyards dedicates to its craft.
Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2019
75,00 €
USA
90 Wine Enthusiast
Hess Artezin Zinfandel 2019
Hess Artezin Zinfandel 2019
Hess Artezin Zinfandel is a classic, fruit-forward red wine from Mendocino County, California, known for its full-bodied character, round tannins, and moderate alcohol content.
Artezin Zinfandel 2019
23,50 €
Argentina
93 Robert Parker
Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda 2018
Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda 2018
Emma Zuccardi Bonarda is a fresh, expressive Bonarda from Mendoza’s Valle de Uco, capturing the cool, high-altitude characteristics of Altamira and San Pablo.
Emma Zuccardi Bonarda 2018
39,90 €
Chile
93+ Robert Parker
De Martino Las Olvidadas Guarilihue Mezcla Tinta 2021
De Martino Las Olvidadas Guarilihue Mezcla Tinta 2021
De Martino Las Olvidadas is a vibrant and complex field blend of País (80%) and the rare San Francisco (20%), showcasing the unique heritage of Itata Valley, Chile. This wine is light-bodied yet deeply structured, offering a blend of red fruit, floral, and herbal notes.
Las Olvidadas Guarilihue Mezcla Tinta 2021
44,50 €
Germany
92+ Robert Parker
Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2022
Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2022
Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Grosses Gewächs (GG) is a strikingly elegant dry Riesling, expressing the essence of the Mosel Valley’s renowned Brauneberger Juffer vineyard, with intense minerality and profound depth.
Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2022
54,90 €