Monthly Spotlight
Each month we spotlight one of our small-production, single-vineyard wines with a deep dive into the vineyard location, property history, wine style and pairing preferences. This month, our monthly spotlight is…
2017 Rancho Lambert Zinfandel
10% off 1-11 bottle purchases, 15% off 12+. Members receive 15% off 1-11 bottle purchases, 20% off 12+.
TASTING NOTE
Ripe raspberry on entry with aromas of currant and clove. Bright, refreshing acidity on the palate with dusty tannins and seductive aromas of lavender and brown spice. MB (7/19)
WINEMAKER VIDEO
LOCATION
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
HISTORY
In 1860, the C.L. Lambert family, settled Lambert Rancho, 5 miles northwest of Healdsburg Square. They built a large and beautiful Gothic Revival house on their new homestead. The arrival of the railroad in 1871 allowed them to flourish, especially due to the high demand from San Francisco. Then in 1919, Prohibition created chaos in the wine industry and instigated a widespread transition from large vineyards to mostly French prunes. Over the years, parts of the ranch were sold off until the late 1990s when the Manoukian family purchased the Gothic Revival house, which had sunken into total disrepair, and the surrounding 4-1/2 acres. By 2000, having labored for 2 years, they christened their new 3-acre zinfandel vineyard’s first harvest. Phil Manoukian diligently farms his zinfandel vines and is restoring the old house to its former glory.
RECENT PRESS
90 Points – Wine & Spirits:
This wine’s youthful fruit brings simple flavors of strawberry and raspberry to the fore, boosted by smoky oak scents. The tannins paint it black while the alcohol sweetens the fruit impression and drives the warm finish. Cellar this for a few years, then decant it well before you start up the grill.
PAIRINGS
Food
After all of the elaborate holiday meals, it’s nice to have a simple and delicious recipe in your repertoire. We love an easy weeknight or casual weekend meal of Cremini Mushroom, Smoked Mozzarella & Truffle Oil Pizza paired with our Rancho Lambert Zinfandel. If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own dough (recipe included). If not, pick some up from your favorite local shop.
Occasion
Casual post-holiday get together