Mission Codename Freedom fighter
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been following these guys since our inaugural year, 2007.
That’s 15 years of consistently delicious deals that we just can’t get enough of.
Half-priced single-vineyard Alexander Valley Zin – for – TWENTY bucks?
Yes please!
Yet another BLINDINGLY explosive, chest-thumping, palate stroking Zin crushed by our favorite guerilla. The small producer lives up to its namesake, as “an independent group taking part in fighting against a larger force.”
If you don’t know Wine Guerrilla, the family-owned Forestville-based winery does one varietal only - Zinfandel. From these century-old vines to younger recently planted vineyards across Sonoma, they make a style for everyone. Good thing they have winemaking guru John Harley at the helm here, who’s cut his teeth at Donum Estate, Brack Mountain, and Marietta Cellars, all boutique wineries at the top of their game.
This hails from the Hemar Vineyard, a source long cherished by the OG like Ridge and Ravenswood with modern-day followers including visionaries like MIRO and BACA. The ages of the vines vary from 45 to over 100 years old. It’s super low-yielding, expensive to farm, top-of-the-line fruit so the original price of $40 comes as no surprise. What comes as a shock though is the $20 it hits today, while it lasts that is.
And you can SO taste the head-trained, dry-farmed gnarly old vines in there. From briary, wild berries that exude from the glass to the sweet kirsch-y mouthfeel that glides down the throat with refreshing vibes, this is a hedonist’s Zin for sure. There are spices galore sprinkled in there amongst the ultra-fine tannins that prolong the finish like a warm blueberry cobbler cooled down a la mode. A chunky wedge of aged Manchego, jamón ibérico or serrano, membrillo, and a fresh baguette is all you need to make an al fresco experience unforgettable.
Pile up for parties and picnics ahead on this no regrets, full-throttle Zin you just don’t want to miss.
What the Winery Says
2018 Hemar Vineyard Alexander Valley Zinfandel
- Winemaker
- John Harley
- Varietal
- 100% Zinfandel
- Vintage
- 2018
- Alcohol
- 15.5%
- Vineyard
- Hemar Vineyard
- Appellation
- Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
- Bottling date
- July 29, 2019
- Aging
- 12 months
- Barrels
- 45% new French and American oak
- Production
- 7 barrels