Today’s Bruce Patch Wines 2015 Harris Kratka Vineyard Alexander Valley Zinfandel is one juicy, fruit-forward delight of a wine! We’ve showcased plenty of great Bruce Patch wines over the years, but today’s stands out as a real north county wonder, from the vineyard made famous by Kent Rosenblum and Rockpile winery.

This Alexander Valley Zin has a bit of translucency and a beautiful ruby core with a shocking lip of violet. It smells like a freshly-baked blackberry pie, hot out of the oven. There’s boysenberry, fennel, loamy soil, and brambles. Juicy and delicious, the nose didn’t lie and blackberry dominates the palate with rhubarb, cassis, and cherry compote joining the chorus with a solid spice backup singer. Definitely North Sonoma County Zin - It’s big, bold and fruit-forward, packing a huge punch that will delight lovers of the grape. This could easily be the desserts course (not that it’s sweet), and it would be the perfect accompaniment to a scoop of French vanilla bean ice cream.

The Alexander Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) in northeast Sonoma County is located on the western side of the Mayacamas range and extends westward to the edge of the Russian River Valley. This appellation was formerly considered a part of Dry Creek Valley but became its own appellation in November 1984. The region is best known for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.