The Facts:
The Wilson Winery 2009 Sydney Vineyard Zinfandel was produced from fruit sourced at the wine’s namesake vineyard. This property which was planted in 1989 sits at an elevation of 1,500 feet. The Sydney Vineyard Zinfandel is a 100% varietal wine. Fruit was hand harvested and fermented in open top vessels with punchdowns three times a day. Aging took place in a combination of French and American oak over a period of 18 months. 540 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $36. Wilson Winery is located at 1960 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. They’re open daily from 11 AM until 5 PM. Several tasting options are available (some require a prior appointment). They close on some major holidays so check their website for those specific details or call them at 800-433-4602.
Gabe’s Take:
Wilson Winery has a fairly sizeable portfolio of wines and utilizes many of the grapes Dry Creek Valley is famous for. As it happens, Dry Creek Valley’s best known grape, Zinfandel, is also what Wilson specializes in. I enjoy tasting the various vineyard and style designations they produce each year. The 2009 Sydney’s Vineyard Zinfandel has a deep, dark nose loaded with Blackberries, plums, and blueberries as well as white pepper and vanilla bean. The palate is intense and layered with tons of flavors. Black Cherry, red and black raspberry and a ton of spice characteristics are all present. Rhubarb, pomegranate and lingering kirsch liqueur notes are in evidence throughout the persistent finish which has terrific length. This is a balanced Zinfandel that highlights bold fruit flavors and firm acidity. Without question this wine is made to be paired with some full flavored foods.