Mission Codename We're moving to this ranch
Wine Enthusiast called Nalle “world-class” and as locals, we know that they are one of the true masters of Old Vine Zinfandel in the country. Our friend Elizabeth Schneider of Wine For Normal People (check it out) also said “these are some of the best wines coming out of California - and nobody knows about them?!”
Indeed, you probably haven’t heard of Nalle.
Only the most die-hard locals and Zinfanatics know about them. So, consider yourself “in the know” today because we’re beyond stoked to have a small amount of this juicy delicious red to share with you.
At 40% off, of course.
Fascinatingly, Decanter, the British publication, is fully aware of this national treasure of ours. In a recent highlight on California titled “The Zenith of Zinfandel” Nalle was one of their 10 picks of the best, alongside Ridge, Carlisle, Turley, and Bucklin, since “back in the mid-1980s, when many Zinfandel producers were making big, muscular trophy wines, Doug Nalle and his wife Lee started their winery with the intention of making elegant, lean and complex Zins in the European style of noble red wines.”
From their location in Dry Creek, they’ve been farming old vines on their family land for over 100 years (1917 to be exact). Today Andrew Nalle and his wife April run the show, although Doug and Lee remain permanent fixtures in the operations.
This field blend comes from a mixture of 66-75-year-old vines, and we think it shows a similar style as something from other highly revered Zinfandel producers like Bedrock or Biale. It’s a lower alcohol style, so none of that 15%+ syrup that some Zin hits you with. But it retains all the ripe, opulent fruit you love, in impeccable balance. From its vibrant rubies to a brilliant purple-blue edge, to blueberries and bramble on the spicy and savory nose, to the notes of blackberry pie, cherry clafoutis, and sprinklings of cinnamon, violets, and lavender on the palate, it’s as ‘complete’ as a Zin can get. The lively acidity lifts the long finish while earth and minerals join the party as it resonates blissfully. For a rack of ribs, corn on the cob, and coleslaw spread of sorts, this ought to be the only ‘sauce’ you’d need.
Predominantly Zin (94%) with 5% Carignane, and 1% Petite Sirah, it’s described as an “everyday porch sipping red” on their website, and at our secret crazy low price that’s undeniably true. We’d say it’s “crushable” and lovable. A porch-pounding, pizza-pairing, drink any day of the week staple you’ll be happy to have in your collection. The exact opposite of ‘corporate juice’ - this has heart and soul built into it and you can’t find a much nicer family operation to support.
Your trusted Agents already scooped up a few cases for our personal stashes. Now it’s your turn.
Tasting Profile
Blackberry pie, cherry clafoutis, cinnamon, lavender
Look | Radiantly vibrant rubies to a brilliant purple-blue edge |
---|---|
Smell | Blueberries and bramble on the spicy and savory nose |
Taste | Blackberry pie, cherry clafoutis, cinnamon, violets, lavender |
Finish | Lively acidity lifts the long finish while earth and minerals |
Pairing | Rack of ribs, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or wood-fired pizzas |
What the Winery Says
2019 'Ranch Red' Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
- Winemaker
- Andrew Nalle
- Varietals
- 94% Zinfandel, 5% Carignane, 1% Petite Sirah
- Vintage
- 2019
- Alcohol
- 13.9%
- Appellation
- Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
- Vineyard
- Nalle Estate Vineyard
- Soils
- Gravely loam
- Total acidity
- 6.1 g/l
- pH
- 3.56
- Aging
- 11 months
- Barrels
- 25% new French oak